Treatment Myths
What is a myth?
A widely held belief that is largely false.
Name one personal strength that helps you stay resilient.
What one word can you add to the end of most negative thoughts to make it more growth-mindset oriented?
Yet
Name one thing you can control when you are anxious in a crowd.
Coping skills, taking a break, etc.
Alex feels nervous before a presentation and tells himself, “I can’t do this yet, but I’ve practiced.” What skill is Alex using?
Growth mindset
Reframe this myth to be more supportive: Medications will start working immediately.
Medications can take 1-3 months to reach an effective dose. I can work with my therapist and medical provider to identify coping skills and strategies to help me through this waiting period.
You're feeling stressed before a test. What is a personal strength that could help you prepare?
Organization, perseverance, self-advocacy, problem solving, knowing your learning style, study skills, etc.
Give an example of a fixed mindset.
I'm bad at _______
I'll never get good at that
Bob is so good at that, so I shouldn't even try.
Control, influence, no control: Your actions
Control
Jordan is upset about a canceled event but decides to go for a walk and listen to music. What skill is Jordan using?
Coping skills
Myth or Fact: It's important to know my triggers so I can avoid them.
Myth: Avoiding your triggers can make them worse. Knowing them is important for coping ahead or coping when we face our triggers.
What personal strength could help you advocate for your needs?
Communication, confidence, problem solving, etc.
True or False: People with a growth mindset believe mistakes are opportunities to learn.
True
Control, influence, no control: Other's actions/responses
No control
Taylor feels overwhelmed by family drama and reminds herself, “I can’t control their choices, but I can control how I respond.” What skill is Taylor using?
Circle of control
Reframe this myth to be more supportive: I can't trust my therapist because they will tell my parents everything.
I can discuss privacy practices with my therapist to clarify what information they are required to share with my parents.
If identifying positives/personal strengths about yourself if hard, what are some strategies you can use to discover your personal strengths?
Ask others; identify personal strengths in others you admire; personal strengths inventories; identify activities you are good at, etc.
Give an example of a growth mindset
It's ok if I fail, I can always try again.
Nobody is perfect at this the first time.
I can always practice to get better.
Challenges help me grow.
Control, influence, or no control: Advocating for your needs
Influence
Sam believes therapy is pointless because “it means I’m broken.” After talking with a friend, Sam decides to give therapy a try. What skill is Sam using?
Reframing treatment myths
What is one way you can identify a treatment myth?
Expecting the worst outcome, ignoring the good and focusing on the bad, black or white thinking, definitive, extreme, or even scary statements, coming from an unreliable source.
Why is recognizing your personal strengths important for resilience?
Build confidence; Use what you're good at to cope.
Give an example of turning a fixed mindset into a growth mindset.
"I'm bad at math" to "I can improve with practice"
How does circle of control help with resiliency?
Reduces frustration; identify where you can make decisions/changes; Avoid taking responsibility for something that isn't in your control, etc.
Morgan has been struggling with negative self-talk after failing a math test. Instead of giving up, Morgan writes down three things they did well on the test, reminds themselves that mistakes help them learn, and makes a plan to study differently next time. What resiliency skills is Morgan using?
Growth Mindset, personal strengths, planning ahead