169: Remedies for Cognitive Distortions
Awareness Explorers
Understanding and Overcoming Cognitive Distortions
Cognitive distortions often stem from emotional needs and serve as strategies to avoid unpleasant feelings. These distortions function as cognitive shortcuts, allowing for quick decision-making based on limited information. Historically, these shortcuts provided survival advantages by helping individuals assess danger swiftly in unfamiliar situations. However, such thinking patterns can persist even when they are no longer necessary. The first step in overcoming cognitive distortions is to develop awareness of them. One effective method for examining and challenging these thoughts is through the work of Byron Katie, which involves a series of probing questions: Is your thought true? Can you absolutely know for sure that it's true? How do you feel when you believe that thought? Who would you be without that thought? These inquiries encourage individuals to detach from their distorted narratives, fostering emotional freedom and insight.
