Title: Cognitive (Thought) Distortions and Core Beliefs - A Caring Approach
Headings: Cognitive (Thought) Distortions and Core Beliefs
Cognitive (Thought) Distortions and Core Beliefs
1) All-or-nothing thinking (black and white thinking):
2) Magnification/minimization or catastrophic thinking:
3) Over-generalization:
4) Mental filter or discounting the positive:
5) Jumping to conclusions not warranted by the facts:
6) Rationalization:
7) Emotional reasoning:
8) “Should” statements/perfectionism:
9) Labeling:
10) Blame (fault-finding instead of problem solving):

Content: The unconscious thoughts are a product of core beliefs; these are deeply ingrained thoughts which represent important themes in our life; for example, themes of unworthiness, unlovableness, grandiosity, feeling that “others are not to be trusted,” “it’s a dog eat dog world,” etc. Core beliefs are developed early in life as our best efforts to adapt to life, but as we mature they can become problematic, maladaptive, and are at the root of anxiety, depression, relationship dysfunctions, and many other problems. Core beliefs are a key part of how we organize, filter, and process information, life situations and events. Cognitive distortions are the product of core beliefs; they are specific types of dysfunctional, distorted, or negative thoughts that group or categorize automatic thoughts. Distortions seem to be true, but they are not based on sufficient evidence nor do they take into account alternative explanations. In psychotherapy, individual counseling, and couples counseling Washington DC, identifying and modifying these distortions is therapeutically beneficial for personal and relationship wellness. What follows is a list of the most common cognitive distortions: