Show:
Distortions 1
Distortions 2
Examples 1
Reframing Practice
Potpourri
100

This is when we see things in black and white categories. There is no grey area.

What is All-or-Nothing, Polarized, or Black and White Thinking

100
This is when we apply simplistic and unfair definitions that are probably wrong or more likely incomplete on ourselves and others.
What is Labeling
100
She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking OR What is Overgeneralization
100

"I will never be happy again!"

Examples: "I may be unhappy now, but this emotion is temporary." "I have been happy before and I will be happy again."

100

Fortune Telling and Mind Reading are two types of which cognitive distortion?

What is Jumping to Conclusions

200
This is when we see a single negative event as a part of a never-ending streak of failure. We use words like "always," "never," "everybody".
What is Overgeneralization
200

This is when we anticipate that things will turn out badly and act as if they already turned out that way.

What is Fortune Telling or Jumping to Conclusions

200
She did not say anything about my new haircut. She must think it is ugly!
What is Mind Reading
200

"I can't do math! It's impossible!"

Examples: "Math is difficult for me right now, but if I study and ask for help I will get better at it."

200

This is another term for Cognitive Distortions.

What is Faulty Thinking?

300

This happens when we blow a negative event out of proportion.

What is Magnification or Catastrophizing

300
This is when we see ourselves as the cause of negative events that we are not responsible for.
What is Personalization
300
She is moving to a new apartment because she does not like having me as a neighbor.
What is personalization
300

"He didn't say hello to me this morning! He must be mad at me for something! I wonder what I did wrong?!" 

"There are many reasons why he did not say hello to me. He probably isn't mad even though I am worried he is. I will check in with him later and see what he says."

300

Types of statements make us feel pressured, guilty or resentful that we use to motivate ourselves to do things and create unrealistic expectations.

What are "Should" statements.

400
This is when we conclude that someone is acting negatively towards us without checking it out or seeking other evidence.
What is Mind Reading
400
This is when we look at our strengths and trivialize them.
What is Minimization
400

"I know she complimented me on my new outfit, but I know she was just being nice. She doesn't mean it!"

What is Disqualifying the Positive OR What is Minimization

400

"I can't go to that party! I can't handle being around all of those people! I think I will just cancel my plans now." 

"I can leave the party if I start to feel uncomfortable, but I could at least try to go. I have been to parties before and it turned out fine so I am capable of interacting socially. 

400

Assuming that life should be fair and equal, which can cause anger and resentment when you believe inequities or unfairness has occurred. Example: Believing you are being paid unfairly because you haven't received the raise you deserve."

What is the Fallacy of Fairness?

500

This is when we pick out one negative detail in a situation and dwell on it exclusively.

What is Negative Mental Filter

500
This is an extreme example of turning positive events into negative ones.
What is Disqualifying the Positive
500

"I'm so pathetic!"

What is Labeling.

500

I have had a headache for two days straight! What if it's a brain tumor?!

"If my headache doesn't go away in one more day I will make an appointment with my doctor to check it out. There could be other reasons why my head has been aching for two days and the doctor can help me make that determination." 

500

Logical reasoning is blocked out and emotion is accepted as fact.

What is Emotional Reasoning.