When it comes to the cognitive aspect of CBT, many people think this has to do with positive thinking. While seeing things in a negative light may contribute to worry, anxiety, and depression, CBT is not about putting on rose-colored glasses and ignoring the things that bring us down. Instead, we often need to think more realistically rather than simply positively.

When we are depressed or anxious, we may be stuck in patterns of unrealistic and inaccurate thinking, which, in CBT, are called thinking errors.The article 10 Thinking Errors That Will Crush Your Mental Strength, in Psychology Today explains and gives examples of thinking errors. Read the article and then review the Cognitive Behavioral Toolsvideo (26:30) that explains in detail CBT strategies that can be used to help you correct thinking errors that lead to stress and anxiety. In your post,

1) Come up with examples (other than those used in the article) for five of the ten common thinking errors. You can use hypothetical examples or ones from your own life. (For instance, "An example of black and white thinking is when I tell myself that if I don't clean the house perfectly, I'm a terrible housekeeper.") Then, using what you learned about cognitive behavioral strategies, design alternative thoughts/self-talk that would be more helpful than the thinking error examples you have provided. (For example, "Instead, I could tell myself that I'm working full time and going to school, so keeping the house perfectly clean is not my priority right now, but I'm doing a pretty good job managing.")

1. Describe another CBT strategy that you learned from watching the video. How might it be helpful to you or someone you know who struggles with thinking errors?
2. Explain whether you think cognitive strategies are an effective way to reduce stress. What arguments might be used against cognitive strategies? Support your answer using information from the assigned reading and additional scholarly sources.