Types 1
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 Always-ing?
This is when we are sure something bad will happen before it actually does (like it is going to be the WORST day ever).
What is Fortune Telling?
Nobody said anything about my new haircut (sweatshirt, outfit). They must all think it is ugly.
What is Mind Reading
A friend has not responded to a text they clearly read, so you think to yourself "they must not want to hang out with me, maybe they don’t even like me".
Examples: "They’re probably just busy and will get back to me when they can". or "They may get back to me or they may not bother, it is what it is."
This is another term for Cognitive Distortions.
What is Faulty or Stinkin' Thinking
This is when we see things in black and white categories. There is no grey area.
This is when we put an unfair negative label on ourselves or others because we are upset.
What is Labeling
She broke up with me last night. I will always be alone.
What is Always-ing?
If you have ever witnessed two or more people arguing in the comments on an online social media post long beyond the point that most would have decided to call it quits, you have seen this distortion in action
What is Gotta Be Right Thinking?
This is when we blow a negative event out of proportion and believe the worst thing is going to happen as a result
What is Big Deal Thinking?
This is when we blame ourselves as the cause of negative events even though we are not responsible.
What is My Fault Thinking?
Even though I did all the work, I did not do enough to earn our group an A.
What is My Fault Thinking
These statements often make us feel pressured, guilty or resentful. Think about where the pressure is coming from.
What are "Should" statements.
This is when we believe we know why someone is acting negatively towards us without checking it out or seeking other evidence.
What is Mind Reading?
This is when we disregard our strengths or the positives in a situation.
What is Forgetting the Good?
My teacher does not like me and that is why I failed the test.
What is Your Fault Thinking?
I know I am going to have an anxiety attack when I give my presentation tomorrow so I will just be absent instead.
"I can practice my coping skills if I start to feel anxious and I can take a break if I start to panic. But I will at least give it a try." "I have given these types of presentations before and I have never had an anxiety attack. I will probably be fine."
When an athlete who wins a big sport award minimizes the importance of the award and continues believing that he is only a mediocre player
What is Small Deal Thinking?
This is when we focus only on something negative that happened instead of looking at good things that happened as well.
What is Remembering the Bad?
This is when someone feels useless, hopeless, stupid, and worthless, and then believes that he/she IS all those things.
What is Feelings are Facts Thinking?
I have a learning disability so don't have much to add to group activities.
What is Labeling. Reframe! I have some difficulties with reading (math or writing) and I have a lot to offer to group discussions! My LD does not define who I am as a person and I have strengths such as creativity (drawing, reading, listening comprehension, math)!
After a break-up, you say to your "I’m nothing without them, they made me smarter and more popular than I am on my own."
"Maybe this happened for a reason, and I know I will find someone else who cares about me" or "I will find someone else eventually".
I forgot to say "Happy Birthday" and she is going to be so mad. I feel awful and am an awful friend. Today is the worst day ever.
What are labeling, mind reading, fortune telling, feelings or facts, big deal thinking