How to address thought traps with 4 steps based on cognitive therapy (1 minute read)
How to address thought traps with 4 steps based on cognitive therapy (1 minute read)
This post “How to address thought traps with 4 steps in cognitive therapy” can be usedd to reduce anxiety.
There are many anxiety inducing patterns often called cognitive distortions or thought traps. These are ways of thinking that seem true but are in fact not reasonable, realistic or relevant to the situation.
Noticing when we are using thought traps and countering them is an important part of traditional CBT-exercises that also can reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Cognitive restructuring is a popular form of therapy within the popular cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, used to identify and challenge maladaptive cognitive distortions/thought traps.
CBT often involves the following steps:
1. The first step is to examine a stressful event or situation.
2. The second step is to identify the thought trap/belief that is triggered in the situation
3. The third step is to create a more realistic cognition by among other things examining the likelihood and evidence of the belief.
4. The fourth step is to actively use the more realistic cognition in similar situations, which with time then will loosen the grip of the trap and reduce psychological symptoms.
The focus is to eliminate automatic thoughts that include dysfunctional or negative views.
According to Beck, the founder of cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, this reduces feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and anhedonia that are symptomatic of several forms of mental problems, such as anxiety and depression.
More about typical thought traps/distortions and how to address them in upcoming posts.
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