You’ve probably experienced something like this before:
The alarm didn’t go off, so now I’m late for work. Or, maybe it did go off, but I snoozed it, too tired after watching just “one more” Netflix episode last night. I can’t resist watching one more! It probably comes from my lack of discipline; I don’t have much of that at all. Just look at this morning- if I don’t get to work on time, I’ll get fired and won’t be able to pay my bills and I’ll get evicted and be homeless. I should have gone to bed earlier.
I grab the project I’ve been working overtime on for the last month. It has everything my boss wanted, but none of that matters now that I’m going to be late… they’re going to be so disappointed in me.
These destructive thoughts are called cognitive distortions. When unmanaged, they can build on each other and convince us of lies like “You’re worthless,” “This is going to end in disaster any moment now,” and, “Just give up already.”
You don’t deserve to be held back by those lies. And you don’t have to anymore. Thriveworks Columbus counselors are trained in a therapy technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is a way to identify destructive thoughts, get rid of them, and replace them with realistic thoughts that will help you solve problems and build up a true self-image. If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of CBT yourself, call Thriveworks Columbus at (614) 515-6291 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Good For?
Part of what makes humans unique and powerful is our capacity for choice. We are constantly making choices based off of past experiences and future speculations. Cognitive distortions can take away our ability to truly do that. They tell us we don’t have a choice and it’s too late to respond in a way that will elicit change. They can make us feel like we are stuck, with no hope for a better future.
Thriveworks Columbus wants to help you shatter those lies. It can be hard to break free of cognitive distortions. They are cyclic in nature and it’s easy to begin spiraling and lose control.
That’s what cognitive behavioral therapy is for. CBT is a tool that gives you hope by giving you control over your thoughts and emotions. There are many cognitive distortions, but a few of them are:
- Should Statements: “I should do this…” Should implies what you’re currently doing isn’t enough and never will be, and that you have to do something extra to ever move forward.
- Catastrophizing: Blowing things out of proportion. Thinking being late will lead to being evicted is a rather extreme example, but a good one, nonetheless.
- All–or-nothing thinking: Turns your thoughts black and white. It’s what gives power to the thought “I have to start from square one because I missed the gym last night.”
- Emotional Reasoning: Makes how you feel a character trait. “I feel dumb, so I am dumb.” Your feelings are always valid, but your thoughts that stem from that feeling might not be. Just because you feel a certain way doesn’t mean you are that way.
- Mind reading: Someone reads your text but doesn’t respond so you assume they hate you. You don’t actually know what they’re thinking, but you believe it anyways. Thinking your boss will be disappointed after walking in late is another example.
Thriveworks Columbus will support, encourage, and guide you in the tool of CBT so you can move past these distortions and pursue the happy, fulfilling life you deserve.
We all experience cognitive distortions in some capacity, but they can get especially dangerous when they combine with other symptoms and form something worse. CBT is a cornerstone of many treatment plans for different mental illnesses, including:
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- OCD
- Insomnia
- Impulsive behaviors
- Addictions
- Self-harm
- Relationship issues
Even people who are mentally and emotionally healthy can benefit from CBT, because no one’s perfect! Thriveworks Columbus is excited to grow with you and see what new heights you will reach.
Schedule an Appointment with a Therapist at Thriveworks Columbus
CBT is quite simple. It first recognizes a destructive thought. Then it takes away the thought’s power, usually by using simple logic. Finally, CBT replaces it with a positive, realistic thought. It’s based on self-awareness and brings the power back in your court.
In a counseling session that uses CBT, you’ll work closely with a Thriveworks Columbus counselor to identify the distortions. Then, you’ll explore and discover the best tactics for you that stop the distortion in it’s tracks and replace it with something better. It’s easier said than done, but that’s why Thriveworks Columbus is here.
Your thoughts aren’t in control of you. CBT teaches you how to utilize that control. If you are interested in working with one of our therapists and exploring what CBT can do for you, reach out to Thriveworks Columbus at (614) 515-6291.
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