Cognitive Distortions
“I made one mistake during my presentation, so I completely failed.”
What cognitive distortion is this?
All-or-Nothing Thinking
What is the first step in challenging a negative thought?
Identifying the thought
What is the difference between healthy coping and avoidance?
Healthy coping helps manage emotions/problem-solve, while avoidance ignores or escapes the problem
What are the three parts of the CBT triangle?
Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
What does behavioral activation encourage people to do?
Engage in healthy or positive activities even when they don’t feel motivated
“My friends are whispering. They’re probably talking badly about me.”
What cognitive distortion is this?
Mind Reading
What is one question you can ask yourself to challenge an anxious thought?
“What evidence supports this?”
“What evidence goes against it?”
“Is there another explanation?”
Why are coping skills important?
They help manage emotions, stress, and reactions in healthy ways
True or False: Changing behaviors can help change feelings.
True
True or False: Staying isolated all day usually improves depression symptoms.
False
“I got rejected from one job, so nobody will ever hire me.”
What cognitive distortion is this?
Overgeneralization
Replace this thought with a balanced thought:
“I never do anything right.”
Example: “I make mistakes sometimes, but I also do many things well.”
What grounding skill asks you to identify things you can see, hear, and feel?
5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique
A teen thinks, “Everyone will judge me,” and avoids speaking in class.
What behavior followed the thought?
Avoiding participation/speaking
Name one activity that could improve mood through behavioral activation.
Examples: exercise, hobbies, socializing, going outside, listening to music
“If I fail this test, my whole future will be ruined.”
What cognitive distortion is this?
Catastrophizing
Why is it important to look for evidence when challenging thoughts?
Because thoughts are not always facts
What CBT skill helps someone slowly face fears instead of avoiding them?
Exposure/facing fears gradually
What feeling may come from the thought:
“I’m going to embarrass myself”?
Examples: anxiety, fear, nervousness
Why can motivation increase after doing an activity instead of before?
Because action can improve mood and energy levels
“I just know tomorrow is going to be terrible, even though nothing bad has happened yet.”
What cognitive distortion is this?
Fortune Telling
What CBT skill helps someone replace unrealistic thoughts with more realistic ones?
Cognitive restructuring/reframing
What CBT technique involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment?
Mindfulness
Why is the CBT triangle important?
Because thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all influence each other
A teen stops doing activities they once enjoyed because they feel depressed.
What CBT skill could help?
What is Behavioral activation