Thoughts

Thoughts

The way we think (our cognitions) influences what we do (our behavior) and how we feel (our emotions). CBT looks at the way we interpret events.

Event: Imagine that your classmate walks past you at the mall without saying hi.

The way we interpret (or think about) a situation impacts how we feel and behave. Also, the way we feel can impact how we think and behave. In addition, the way we behave can impact how we feel and think.

The cognitive triangle illustrates how significantly our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected and influence each other!

Thoughts

Thinking Errors

CBT Theory suggests that many of our problems result from our brains interpreting life events in unhelpful ways.

Below are a few of the most common thinking errors :
** Tolin, D. F. (2016). Doing CBT: A comprehensive guide to working with behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Guilford Publications.

All-or-Nothing Thinking

Seeing things in black and white categories. If I make a mistake, I’m a failure.

Overgeneralization

Seeing a single negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat. I did not get into my top choice college; therefore, I can’t do anything right, and I’ll never succeed in life.

Should” Statements

Making “rules” to live by. I should never have to explain why I’m upset.

Mind Reading

Assuming you can tell what others are thinking or feeling without evidence. I’m certain that they think I’m awkward.

Catastrophizing

Overemphasizing the importance of an event or thinking of the worst possible outcome. If I don’t go to this party, my social life is over.

Fortune Telling

Jumping to conclusions about the future without all the facts. I know that I won’t make the tennis team.

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CBT Triangle

The way we think (our cognitions) influences what we do (our behavior) and how we feel (our emotions).

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Feelings

There are reasons that humans (and animals) have emotions – we need them to survive! 

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CBT

Understanding CBT

CBT explains that our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are all connected and impact each other. 

Feelings

Feelings

There are reasons that humans (and animals) have emotions – we need them to survive!

Behaviors

Behaviors

There are a lot of transitions during these years! How you respond to these challenges can make a big difference.