Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on how our thinking affects how we feel and act. One important idea in CBT is "cognitive distortions." These are incorrect ways of thinking that can affect our emotions. Let’s look at some common cognitive distortions:
All-or-Nothing Thinking: This is when you see things in black-and-white. If you don’t do something perfectly, you think you failed completely.
Catastrophizing: This is when you expect the worst possible outcome. For example, if you’re late to a meeting, you might worry, “I’m going to lose my job!”
Overgeneralization: This happens when one bad experience leads you to think something negative about everything. If you have a bad date, you might believe you’ll always be alone.
Discounting the Positive: Here, you downplay the good things that happen. If someone gives you a compliment at work, you might brush it off as “just luck.”
It’s important to understand these distortions because they can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts that may cause anxiety or sadness. By recognizing and challenging these thoughts, we can start thinking in a healthier way. CBT helps people change their thinking patterns and behaviors for the better.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on how our thinking affects how we feel and act. One important idea in CBT is "cognitive distortions." These are incorrect ways of thinking that can affect our emotions. Let’s look at some common cognitive distortions:
All-or-Nothing Thinking: This is when you see things in black-and-white. If you don’t do something perfectly, you think you failed completely.
Catastrophizing: This is when you expect the worst possible outcome. For example, if you’re late to a meeting, you might worry, “I’m going to lose my job!”
Overgeneralization: This happens when one bad experience leads you to think something negative about everything. If you have a bad date, you might believe you’ll always be alone.
Discounting the Positive: Here, you downplay the good things that happen. If someone gives you a compliment at work, you might brush it off as “just luck.”
It’s important to understand these distortions because they can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts that may cause anxiety or sadness. By recognizing and challenging these thoughts, we can start thinking in a healthier way. CBT helps people change their thinking patterns and behaviors for the better.