Fort Collins Mental Health Counselor and Life Coach: Cognitive Distortions

 Today's Blog Post

What are cognitive distortions? 

A cognitive distortion is an exaggerated or irrational thought pattern involved in the onset or perpetuation of psychopathological states, such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive distortions are thoughts that cause individuals to perceive reality inaccurately.  That's a fancy definition for what we commonly call crazy thoughts.  

Top ten most common cognitive distortions:

1. All or nothing thinking: Black-white categories, perfectionism
2. Over generalization: Always, never (will always happen over and over again)
3. Disqualifying the positive: I can't, I have no friends
4. Jumping to conclusions: Mind reading, fortune telling, defensive counter attack
5. Magnification and minimization: Blow it up, catastrophizing, dismissive
6. Emotional reasoning: I feel like an idiot, therefore I am an idiot
7. Should/must statements: Creates self loathing, shame, guilt
8. Labeling: I was born a loser, I am a failure
9. Personalization: Assume responsibility for things that are not your responsibility 

If you experience depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, you probably engage in cognitive distortions.  The good news -- it's fixable!

We meet with clients at our private office, via video, and outdoors.  At our Fort Collins (non-shared) private office, clients enjoy:

✳ No charge consultation

✳ Absolute privacy and safety

✳ Anonymity and confidentiality
✳ 100% HIPAA compliant

✳ Non-public office building 
✳ No nextdoor office client sounds
✳ No auto traffic noise
✳ Pet friendly office
✳ No waiting room
✳ Never sit with strangers

✳ 1-5 seating
✳ Natural light, A/C, fresh air
✳ Hassle free parking

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