Individual Counseling to Address Thinking Disorders
It’s time to move on from the past and live in the moment. Learn how to overcome automatic negative thoughts and unhealthy thinking styles that cause cognitive distortions.
What is a Thinking Disorder?
Cognitive distortion, also known as a thinking disorder and is a term used in counseling to describe patterns of thinking that are inaccurate, exaggerated, and/or irrational. These thinking patterns can lead to negative thinking styles. Cognitive distortions are biased ways of thinking that can lead to negative emotions and behaviors. They are often at the root of why we feel anxious, stressed, down, or angry and can lead to irrational ways of managing these thoughts. It is important to remember that Irrational thoughts are not based on logic or reason. They may be extreme, illogical, or just plain wrong. But, even if they’re not true, these thoughts can still have the power to influence how we think, feel, and act.
How do cognitive distortions develop?
Cognitive distortions often develop in response to negative life events or experiences. They may also be a result of having certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or anxiety. Additionally, people who have experienced trauma or abuse are more likely to develop cognitive distortions. As a result, people develop cognitive distortions as a way of coping with adverse life events or experiences. For example, someone who grew up in a family where they were constantly criticized may develop the cognitive distortion of always expecting criticism.
This way of thinking can lead to developing unhealthy thinking styles as a way to navigate your surroundings. Unhealthy thinking styles are learned. Most of us develop them in childhood, based on messages we receive from our parents, teachers, and other adults in our lives. For example, if you were repeatedly told as a child that you were “stupid” or “lazy,” you might believe those things about yourself even if they’re not true. These types of cognitive distortions can commonly lead to the development of anxiety and depression. However, they can also be a factor in other types of mental health conditions.
Cognitive distortions can also result from certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or anxiety. People with these personality traits are more likely to develop cognitive distortions as a way to cope with their challenges. Additionally, people who have experienced trauma or abuse are more likely to develop cognitive distortions.
Cognitive distortions can lead to negative emotions and problems in functioning. For example, someone who has the cognitive distortion of always expecting criticism may avoid social situations and never speak up for fear of being criticized. This can lead to social isolation and missed opportunities. Additionally, cognitive distortions can lead to problems in decision-making, as they may cause someone to base their decisions on irrational thoughts.
There are many different types of cognitive distortions known as unhealthy thinking styles. Some common ones include:
All-or-nothing thinking: You see things in black-and-white terms, without any middle ground. For example, you might tell yourself that you’re a failure if you don’t get an “A” on a test.
Overgeneralization: You see a single negative event as part of a never-ending pattern of defeat. For example, you might tell yourself that you always fail at everything you try.
Mental filter: You focus on the negative aspects of a situation and ignore the positive. For example, you might only remember the times when you’ve made a mistake and not the times when you’ve done something well.
Disqualifying the positive: You believe that positive experiences don’t count or aren’t important. For example, you might tell yourself that your good grade on a test was just because the teacher was easy.
Jumping to conclusions: You make negative assumptions without having all the facts. For example, you might tell yourself that someone is talking about you behind your back.
Magnification or minimization: You blow things out of proportion or shrink their importance. For example, you might tell yourself that a small mistake you made is proof that you’re a complete failure.
Emotional reasoning: You assume that your negative emotions are accurate reflections of reality. For example, you might tell yourself that because you feel anxious, there must be something dangerous nearby.
“Should” statements: You put pressure on yourself with rigid rules about how you and others should behave. For example, you might tell yourself that you “should” always be able to control your anger.
Labeling and mislabeling: You assign negative labels to yourself or others without considering the evidence. For example, you might call yourself a “loser” because you made one mistake.
Personalization: You blame yourself for things that aren’t your responsibility. For example, you might tell yourself that it’s your fault your friend is upset with you.
If you find yourself thinking in any of these ways on a regular basis, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.
How do cognitive distortions impact our thinking?
Cognitive distortions are a major factor in why we experience negative emotions. They cause us to see the world and ourselves in ways that are not accurate, which then leads to feeling bad. For example, if you have all-or-nothing thinking, you might see a situation as either good or bad, with no middle ground. This can lead to feelings of either happiness or sadness, depending on how the situation turns out. But in reality, most situations are not completely good or bad. There is usually some mix of both positive and negative elements.
If you have cognitive distortions, your thoughts about yourself, other people, and the world around you; will be skewed. This can lead to feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or hopeless. Cognitive distortions can also make it difficult to cope with life’s challenges. If you always see yourself as a failure, you might give up easily when faced with difficulties. Or if you believe that other people are always out to get you, you might have a hard time trusting others and building relationships.
Living with cognitive distortions can be very difficult. But there is hope. It is possible to change the way you think and reduce the negative impact of cognitive distortions on your life. With effort, you can learn to see yourself, other people, and the world in a more realistic and positive way.
What are the consequences of cognitive distortion?
Cognitive distortions can have a number of negative consequences. They can make it difficult to cope with life’s challenges, and they can lead to feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or hopeless.
Cognitive distortions can also make it difficult to build and maintain relationships. If you always see yourself as a failure, you might give up easily when faced with difficulties. Or if you believe that other people are always out to get you, you might have a hard time trusting others and building relationships.
Living with cognitive distortions can be very difficult. But there is hope. It is possible to change the way you think and reduce the negative impact of cognitive distortions on your life. With effort, you can learn to see yourself, other people, and the world in a more realistic and positive way.
Cognitive distortion is an important factor to consider when thinking about our emotions because it can have a major impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. It’s important to be aware of cognitive distortions and to learn how to reframe our thoughts in a more positive light. With effort, we can reduce the negative impact of cognitive distortions on our lives.
How do we develop Negative thinking styles?
Negative thinking styles are learned. Most of us develop them in childhood based on messages we receive from our parents, teachers, and other adults in our lives. For example, if you were repeatedly told as a child that you were “stupid” or “lazy,” you might believe those things about yourself even if they’re not true.
When should I seek professional help for overthinking?
If you find it difficult to change your thinking patterns on your own, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can help you identify your cognitive distortions and work on changing them.
If you find that you’re struggling to change your thoughts on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you more about cognitive distortions and how to change them.
If you think you might be experiencing cognitive distortions, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify your thinking patterns and work with you to develop more realistic and healthy ways of thinking.
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