Trauma-Informed Toolkit: Cognitive Distortions

Trauma-Informed Toolkit: Cognitive Distortions

Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts and beliefs we unknowingly reinforce over time that influence your emotions. Everyone experiences cognitive distortions to some degree, but in their more extreme forms, they can be harmful. Some occasionally stumble into a cognitive distortion while others struggle with them on a long-term basis because they lack the ability to identify and modify these faulty patterns of thinking. These errors in thinking often provoke or exacerbate symptoms of depression. With practice, you can improve your ability to recognize and respond to our distortions. To find common examples of cognitive distortions and other resources on bringing mindfulness into your day, click the button below.