Cognitive Distortions

Cognitive distortions are common and biased thoughts that are not based in fact or reality. The prevalence and ruminative nature of these distortions help create negative thought patterns that can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. By changing these habitual thought patterns, it can help improve a person’s well-being and lower feelings of depression and anxiety. When a person experiences a cognitive distortion, they typically interpret events in a very negative way. Most people experience cognitive distortions from time to time. But if they’re reinforced often enough, they can increase anxiety, deepen depression, cause relationship difficulties, and lead to other complications. In the chart below, please see some of the most common cognitive distortions, what they mean, and what they can look like. As you review, see if you can recognize any that you may experience- I know I can pick a few out for myself!

Negative thoughts are normal from time to time, but when they are constant and incessant, it can create patterns of thought that can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression and fuel feelings of low self-worth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapeutic intervention that has been shown to help clients highlight inaccuracies and underlying beliefs and can challenge clients' distorted thoughts. If this sounds like something that you or your child are struggling with, the clinicians at C and A Counseling can help guide you. Please contact the office to set up a consultation!