Name That Distortion
Believing that your negative emotions reflect the way things really are.
What is Emotional Reasoning?
Cognitive distortions are patterns of inaccurate thoughts that can reinforce negative thinking.
What is True?
"I failed my math test, so I’ll never be good at school." Create a rational counterstatement.
Reframe: "I struggled with this test, but I can improve with more practice."
Give an example of a "should statement".
"I should always be happy. I should never be sad."
Why is it important to recognize cognitive distortions?
What is to challenge negative thought patterns and improve mental health?
Thinking in absolute terms, such as "always" or "never."
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking (Black-and-White Thinking)?
Overgeneralization involves making a broad conclusion based on a single event.
What is True?
"If I don’t do this perfectly, I’m a failure." Create a rational counterstatement.
Reframe: "Doing my best is more important than being perfect."
Give an example of labeling.
"I'm a loser. My artwork stinks."
How can cognitive distortions affect relationships?
What is they can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict?
Deciding things will turn out badly without any evidence.
What is fortune telling?
Catastrophizing means focusing only on the good things that could happen.
What is False?
"Everyone probably thinks I’m boring because I didn’t talk much." Create a rational counterstatement.
Reframe: "I don’t know what others think, and they might not even have noticed."
Give an example of disqualifying the positives.
"I got one answer wrong on my test, I failed."
What role does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) play in addressing distortions?
What is helping individuals identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns?
Believing that you are responsible for events outside of your control.
What is Personalization?
"Should" statements are always true!
What is False?
"I didn’t get the promotion because I’m not good enough." Identify and reframe.
What is Personalization? Reframe: "There are many factors involved, and it’s not just about me."
Give an example of mind reading.
"People are looking at me. They probably think I'm ugly."
How does challenging cognitive distortions improve self-esteem?
What is it allows for more realistic and compassionate self-perception?
Seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation.
What is catastrophization?
Discounting the positives means undervaluing or dismissing good things about yourself or others.
What is True?
"I can’t believe I made that mistake; I should have never made a mistake like this." Create a rational counterstatement.
Reframe: "I am human so it is expected that I make mistakes sometimes."
Give an example fortune telling.
"I know if I try a meeting it will be bad so I shouldn't even go."
Why is it important to practice identifying distortions regularly?
What is because consistent practice helps create healthier automatic thought patterns?