Milton wrote that "the mind is a place in itself. It can make a heaven out of hell and a hell out of heaven." Cognitive therapy seeks to help people use the power of the mind to build a healthier, happier outlook on life. The emergence of programs like "The Secret" and "The Power of Positive Thinking" demonstrate some of the fundamental principals of cognitive therapy and this article illustrates uses of this approach in everyday situations.
Instructions
1. Practice metacognition. This is the ability to think about thinking. Trace your thought patterns by linking a current thought to the previous thought. Record how your thoughts develop and how they progress.
2. Link thoughts to emotions. Feelings can be used as guides that help identify destructive thoughts. People who use cognitive therapy effectively make a conscious connection between thoughts and feelings. For example, a person who feels anxious at social functions may link the anxiety to they way he thinks about the situation.
3. Identify negative core beliefs. Eventually, thoughts lead to a belief system. Cognitive therapy seeks to change beliefs that are damaging. For example, "I'm shy" is a core belief that interferes with a person's ability to feel comfortable in social situations.
4. Identify behavior connected with the core belief. Thoughts and feelings lead to actions. The person who identifies herself as shy feels anxiety at social situations, making her avoid interaction with others.
5. Experiment with healthier core beliefs. The person that thinks of himself as shy would practice "I'm outgoing" instead. Follow the thought patterns that suit the new belief and follow through with the appropriate behaviors.
6. Focus on the positive. Concentrate on your achievements, your good qualities and your healthy relationships. Recognize and record your progress with cognitive therapy.
Tags: Cognitive therapy seeks, core belief, core beliefs, social situations, therapy seeks, thought patterns