Basic Thinking Errors
I avoid taking responsibility for my actions. Everything is some else's fault.
What is Blaming
Justifying or "excuse making"
Focusing on the "reasons" why we did or didn't do something we were supposed to.
My life is so terrible, no body even cares about me, what's the point of even trying? I might as well hurt others the way I have been hurt.
What is victim stance.
"I will never make another mistake again once I finish treatment. I don't need a safety plan"
What is Magical Thinking/Super-Optimism
What is Lying?
Minimizing
What is when we try to make something seem less important than it is?
Purposely leaving out important parts of the truth
Omission
"Everyone is always focusing on the mistakes that I make and not other people. I'm really the victim here."
Poor Me
I only touched her once or twice. It wasn't really a big deal.
What is minimization?
I know what is really going on, but I act as if I don't so I can avoid the situation at hand and not have to deal with the consequences.
What is Avoidance.
Catastrophizing
Making things out to be worse than they actually are
I'm in group care, I should be treated differently and have more privileges.
What is entitlement?
Only focusing on the negative details while filtering out the positive parts
Mental Filtering
"I'm already getting a consequence. I might as well make as many problems as I can before I get caught."
Zero State
Saying "I don't know why I'm here, I don't need treatment." Not recognizing the need to change.
What is Denial.
Manipulation
Not being open to information about self from others.
Closed Channel
I did it because I don't have anyone, I was depressed and no one loves me.
What is Victim Stance?
"If she hadn't been flirting with me then I wouldn't have tried to kiss her."
What is Blaming?
I feel more important or deserving others even though I have done nothing to earn it.
Entitlement
Intellectualization
Overthinking a subject to the point where you excuse yourself from it.
You are continually on trial to prove your opinions and actions are correct.
Being Right
When we believe everything will work out just because we're awesome. "I'm too good to get caught."
What is Magical Thinking or Super-Optimism?
"I know this is wrong, but I don't care. I want to feel good right now."
Corrosion and Cutoff