Thinking Errors 1
When we believe everything is only “good” or “bad”
Black or White Thinking
When we try to make things seem smaller than they really are
Minimizing
This thinking error is used to make people feel sorry for us. Example: “I would not have hurt him if I had not have been hurt myself.”
Victim Stance
I avoid taking responsibility for my actions. Everything is some else's fault.
What is Blaming
What is Blaming
"I was only five minutes late"
We convince ourselves that irresponsible behaviors are no big deal.
Minimizing
When we believe we know what other people think or feel
Mind Reading/Assuming
A thinking error used so that people won’t expect us to do what is required or expected. This attitude will ultimately lead to disappointment, failure, a loss of control, or a loss of freedom.
"I can’t" attitude
When a person does not think of how their actions influence others, except in the most obvious physical sense. The person has no concept of emotionally hurting others or causing great mental pain.
Lack of empathy/apathy
I know what is really going on, but I act as if I don't so I can avoid the situation at hand.
"I did my treatment work, but my mom picked me up at school so I don't have to do it"
Justifying or Excuse Making
When a person thinks that everything is “the end of the world”
Catastrophizing
When we focus on the reason we didn't do something we were supposed to do or when we did something we were not supposed to do.
Justifying or Excuse Making
You must please or impress others to maintain your value as a person or to keep from being devalued as a person.
What is People Pleasing
I'm just going to pretend that is not true.
What is denial
"I don't know"
Avoidance
“Pointing the finger” to find an excuse not to solve the problem
Blaming
This is not thinking of the consequences of our actions. When an elephant looks far away, it looks small and non-threatening.
Distant Elephant
When we believe everything will work out if we want it enough. "I'm too good to get caught."
What is Magical Thinking
I feel more important or deserving others even though I have done nothing to earn it.
What is Me Me Me/ Entitlement
"I wasn't thinking"
"I was too angry"
Diminished Capacity Syndrome
You feel like you are being harmed by people that have no intention of harming you.
Victimization
What is Asking your self questions about the reality of the situation.
What is Fact Checking
When you have a negative thought but you change it to a more positive thought
I try to make my actions look less wrong by comparing to something worse. I make my actions look insignificant.
What is Minimizing.
"I'll never get hurt"
"I'm too god to get hurt"
Magical thinking or Super Optimism