Thursday, February 12, 2009

Mental health tidbits of: the power of thought & other various things...

Cognitive Distortion: a thought process, often vocalized, that distorts what is real in order to justify one's feelings and actions. It includes minimizing, generalizing and justifying. Also known as "wrong thinking", "thinking error" or "stinking thinking".

Cognitive Restructuring: the process of modifying thinking, both its premises and assumptions. Most cognitive therapies operate on the basic assumption that thoughts cause feelings and feelings cause behaviors. These therapies attempt to incorporate some aspect of challenging, and thereby changing the misperceptions, stereotypical beliefs and cognitive distortions that lead to unhealthy behaviors. The goal is to challenge the validity and usefulness of the maladaptive thinking patterns and gradually substitute more adaptive ones.

Boundary: an imaginary wall/barrier that keeps certain feelings safe, comfortable and protected. This may pertain to anything private, special or personal; can be a thing, place, thought or feeling; can be physical, emotional or social.

Active Listener: one who demonstrates understanding, interest and acceptance. The process of active listening conveys to the communicator a respectful forum.

Indications of Active Listening

  • appropriate amounts of eye contact
  • nodding of head in affirmation
  • open body language
  • showing attentiveness

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