Show:
Types 1
Types 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 Thinking
100

The belief that thoughts, actions, or emotions influence unrelated situations. 

What is Magical Thinking

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"
Examples: "I may be unhappy now but that will pass." "I have been happy before and I will be happy again."
100
Fortune Telling and Mind Reading are types of what 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
200
She did not say anything about my new haircut. She must think it is ugly!
What is Mind Reading
200
I should give my friend money because he asked me for it.
Examples: "I wish I could loan him money but I cannot afford it." "I want to give my friend money because it makes me feel good and I have enough to spare."
200

This is another term for Cognitive Distortions.

What is Irrational Thinking or "Faulty Thinking, Stinky 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 Hi to me this morning so he must be mad at me for something I did.
"There are many reasons why he did not say Hi to me. It's probably not personal." "I will check in with him later and make sure everything is ok"
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 she was just being nice.
What is Disqualifying the Positive OR What is Minimization
400
I know I am going to have a panic attack when I go the party tomorrow so I should just cancel my plans now.
"I can practice my coping skills if I start to feel anxious and I can leave the party if I start to panic. But I should at least give it a try." "I have been to these types of parties before and I have never had a panic attack. I will probably be fine."
400

What makes cognitive distortions dangerous?

They are automatic, negative and repetitive types of thinking. They may lead to mental health issues (anxiety, depression, etc.)

500

This is when we make assumptions that our emotions reflect the way things really are. 

What is Emotional Reasoning.

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

I feel depressed so my life must be pointless. 

What is emotional reasoning.

500
I have had a headache for two days. I must have a brain tumor.
"Headaches are common and happen occasionally. There is no need to worry." "If my headache doesn't go away in a day I will make an appointment with my PCP to check it out." "I am under a lot of stress and my body is probably telling me I need to take it easy."
500

What are some ways to treat cognitive distortions?

Mindfulness, awareness, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling/therapy