Cognitive Distortions/Core Beliefs
What is a cognitive distortion?
An inaccurate thought that is irrational and does not reflect balanced thinking.
What does self-forgiveness mean?
Self-forgiveness means that you are choosing to forgive yourself for the past behavior, you do not have to be okay with the past behavior or think that it was acceptable
"I have learned that the person I have to ask most for forgiveness is myself"
What are some possible short and/or long term effects of sexual assault or trauma?
PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Body memories, Sleeping Disorders, Inappropriate guilt or shame, Suicide, Substance Use
List problematic/ abusive behaviors.
Drinking alcohol, Drug use, Gambling, Cussing, Cheating, Gang life, Prostitutes, Violence, Spending money, etc.
What are the components of the cognitive triad/triangle?
Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviors/Actions
What is a core belief?
A belief we hold about the world, ourselves, or others that was developed from our own experiences and environment.
What are some ways to practice self-compassion?
Label emotions that are coming up and validate them
Example: This is shame it makes sense I am feeling this way because...
Validate where in your body you are noticing hurt, practice deep breathing, give yourself something physically warm (bath, tea), use grounding exercise that helps you get in touch with your body
What does it mean for a victim of abuse to experience self blame?
Victims feel like they should of done something differently and that the abuse is their fault.
List the components of the Offense Chain.
Abstinence, SUD, High-Risk Situation, Thoughts/Feelings/Fantasies, High Risk Situation, Plan, Giving Up, Reoffending
What component of the cognitive triangle is sexual regulation related to and why?
Behaviors/Actions: Managing behaviors in order to have healthy sexual regulation.
Give an example of a cognitive distortion that you had this past week and name the type of cognitive distortion it was.
What are some steps to forgiveness?
Choosing to forgive yourself or the other person, setting appropriate boundaries (Example: having phone conversations but not having long visits yet), taking care of and validating your emotions, giving yourself time to accept the emotions
What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?
Example of correct answer: Empathy is being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Sympathy is relating to the person's emotions based on your own experience.
Explain what SUD's are.
Seemingly Unimportant Decisions or SUD's are decisions that on the surface appear logical or rational having nothing to do with relapsing. Upon closer inspection, however, the decision usually put you in a situation next to a potential victim.
Identify what stage of change you are at in an area of your life and why.
Example: I am in contemplation with my job because I hate it and want to quit but know that I need the money.
Define and give an example of all or nothing thinking.
Definition: If you don’t have it all, you have nothing. Things are all one way or the other—either good or bad. Thinking this way severely limits you, giving only two choices.
Example: If you are an “all or nothing” thinker and you do not do a perfect job, you will see it as a complete failure.
What is the difference between shame and guilt?
Shame is thinking their is something wrong with you as a person
Guilt is appropriately feeling bad about a wrong behavior
Role play an example of showing empathy.
Example: My mother was diagnosed with cancer
Response: I can't imagine what that must be like for you, how are you feeling right now?
Give 6 examples of healthy alternative behaviors and decisions.
Examples: positive self talk, talking to someone, hiking, meditating, removing yourself from the situation, playing sports, thinking about the consequences, reading, journaling, etc.
Give a personal (real life) example of the cognitive triad/triangle.
Example: Thought- "(Partner's name) looks sexy today", Feeling- aroused, happy, excited, Behavior- Kiss your partner and say "you look hot."
Define deprivation and give an example.
I expect that if I don’t act on a sexual impulse, but ride it out and let it fade, it will leave me feeling empty and frustrated instead of proud and in control
Definition of deprivation: Thinking that if you don’t get what you want when you want it, you will feel empty and lonely
What is the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion?
Self-esteem is evaluating your self worth, judging yourself positively and it requires you to be special or above average
Self-compassion is extending kindness and compassion to yourself especially during times of perceived inadequacy, failure, or suffering, of relating to ourselves kindly and based on connection to a common humanity
What should be included in an empathy letter to a victim? (and/or what not to include). Give at least three examples.
Taking responsibility for the offense, acknowledging the possible impacts the offense had on the victim, what you have learned since committing that offense, and not asking for forgiveness from the victim
Give an example of at least three possible triggers or high risk situations that could lead to a sexual offense up to 48 hours before it happened.
Examples of triggers: Lonely, stressed, consuming alcohol and/or drugs, losing a job, fighting in a relationship, losing a partner
Examples of high risk situations: Going to a bar/club, searching the internet when feeling lonely, park, being around negative influences, going to area where women are (pimping)
Name all 6 Stages of Change.
Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Relapse