Title: Irrational Beliefs | Counseling Center
Headings: Irrational Beliefs
Irrational Beliefs
Handling Irrational Beliefs from Tools for Personal Growth (1999-2010), by James J. Messina, Ph.D.
I. What are irrational beliefs?
II. What are some examples of irrational beliefs?
About Yourself:
Irrational beliefs (negative) about others:
Irrational beliefs on other topics
How can we recognize irrational beliefs? Irrational beliefs can be present if we:
What are the benefits of refuting our irrational beliefs?
By refuting our irrational beliefs we are able to:
Steps to take in refuting an irrational belief
Step 1: Is your thinking and problem solving ability being blocked by an irrational belief? Consider a specific problem as you answer the following questions:
Step 2: If you have answered yes to any or all of the questions in Step 1, you are probably facing a problem or situation in which a blocking irrational belief is clouding your thinking. The next thing to do is to try to identify the blocking irrational belief. Answer the following questions in your journal:
Step 3: Once you have identified the blocking belief in Step 2, test its rationality. Answer the following questions about the belief, yes or no.
Step 4: Once you have determined that the blocking belief is irrational, you are ready to refute this irrational belief. Respond to the following questions in your journal:

Content: Negative sets of habitual responses we hold to when faced with stressful events or situations. Stereotypic ways of problem solving we fall into in order to deal with life’s pressures. Ideas, feelings, beliefs, ways of thinking, attitudes, opinions, biases, prejudices, or values with which we were raised. We have become accustomed to using them when faced with problems in our current life, even when they are not productive in helping us reach a positive, growth-enhancing solution. Self-defeating ways of acting. On the surface they may look appropriate for the occasion, but actually they result in a neutral or negative consequence for us. Habitual ways of thinking, feeling, or acting that we think are effective; however, in the long run they are ineffectual. Counterproductive ways of thinking, which give comfort and security in the short run, but either do not resolve or actually exacerbate the problem in the long run. Negative or pessimistic ways of looking at necessary life experiences such as loss, conflict, risk taking, rejection, or accepting change.