Types 1
This is when we see things in all or nothing categories. There is no grey area.
What is black and white thinking (or all or nothing thinking)
This is when we apply simplistic and unfair definitions that are probably wrong or more likely incomplete on ourselves and others.
What is Labeling
She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.
Fortune telling, jumping to conclusions
"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."
Name an example of when a thinking trap caused you to have conflict with another person
What is "assumed they were thinking the worst, jumped to a negative conclusion, started a fight with someone based on trying to predict the future, thinking you know exactly what someone is thinking or how a situation will turn out, not even trying on a test because you may fail..."
Thinking the worst
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
She did not say anything about my new haircut. She must think it is ugly!
What is Mind Reading
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."
This is another term for Thinking Traps
What is automatic interpretations or cognitive distortions
This happens when we only pay attention to the negatives in life and our achievements "don't count".
Ignoring the Positive
This is when we think something must be true because we feel it so strongly.
What is Emotional Reasoning
I feel so strongly that my neighbor is moving to a new apartment because she does not like having me as a neighbor even though they just raised the rent in our building.
What is emotional reasoning
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"
This is a situation in which you might have thinking traps come up
This is when we conclude that someone is acting negatively towards us without checking it out or seeking other evidence.
What is Mind Reading
This is believing you have the power to control things that you actually do not.
What is Magical Thinking
I know she complimented me on my new outfit but she was just being nice.
What is Ignoring the positive
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."
This type of person can fall into thinking traps
Every. Single. Person. (and maybe cats) Everyone has thinking traps! The more we can notice and challenge them the better we can manage anxiety, depression and eating disorders
This is when we assume something is going to happen even though it's unlikely.
Jumping to conclusions
Types of statements make us feel pressured, guilty or resentful that we use to motivate ourselves to do things and create unrealistic expectations.
Should or Musts
I am mentally ill and cannot contribute anything to anyone.
What is Labeling. Reframe! I struggle with my mental health sometimes and I have a lot to offer to this world! Mental illness does not define who I am as a person!
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."
In which city were the first modern Olympics held?
Athens, Greece