Everyone experiences cognitive distortions at some point; they’re really common! However, these ways of thinking can misinform us about reality and influence our emotions and behaviors in ways we don’t like. Review the list of cognitive distortions, identify cognitive distortions that are common for you, and try to think of ways to adjust the thoughts so that they are more neutral and accurate.
Look at the following list of common negative and positive beliefs that people have about themselves. Identify which negative beliefs stand out to you, as well as any associated memories, emotions, and body sensations that surface when you acknowledge those negative beliefs. Next, go through the list of positive beliefs and identify the statements that you already believe about yourself and the statements that you would like to believe about yourself.
This loving kindness practice involves silently repeating phrases that offer good qualities to oneself and to others.
Sometimes when clients go through difficult times, it activates their habits of self-judgment. This guided meditation helps one to nurture compassion for oneself in regards to a difficult situation.
Despite what we’re often told, happiness is not the default emotion for humans. The reality is that we need to experience all of our emotions; they each have a purpose. Our emotions provide us information that logic alone cannot give us.
DEARMAN is an acronym to help us effectively advocate for ourselves and improve our interpersonal communication. Use this acronym to broach a difficult conversation with a family member, friend, or at work.
