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More PsychNotes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The CBT Tools for Healthy Living app helps you to determine some ways to challenge the irrational thinking. Once you have done that, it is important to read the rational challenges frequently until they automatically come to mind rather than the irrational thinking.
Many times when thinking is changed about a situation problems can be resolved more easily. Using the cognitive diary method can aid in this process. To learn more about the cognitive diary and Excel At Life's Cognitive Diary app, read Understanding and Using the Cognitive Diary.
The one complaint about the Cognitive Diary app that I refuse to change is that the user can only select up to six irrational beliefs for each entry. Although other complaints are related to the usability of the app, this issue is related to the effectiveness of the technique. I did relent somewhat and raised the limit to six from three but I recommend only selecting two or three.
1) Overwhelming. When I worked with clients who wrote their cognitive diaries on paper they weren't likely to select more than a few irrational beliefs when evaluating the distressing event. However, the app makes it easy to check any irrational belief that is even remotely a possibility. Unfortunately, when a person views a long list of irrational beliefs that need to be changed it can become overwhelming and confusing about where to start.
2) Hopelessness. When a person becomes overwhelmed it can result in hopelessness: “There's so much wrong with my thinking, I'll never be able to change. Why should I even bother?” As a result, using the cognitive diary can backfire and prevent change.
3) Encourages perfectionism. Some of the users who want to select every possible irrational belief are perfectionists. They often feel that to obtain benefit from something they must do it perfectly. “Or, why do it at all?” The limit prevents them from focusing on perfection and instead the focus is on change.
4) Discourages thoughtful reflection. Contemplating a couple beliefs can allow for a more complete understanding of the irrational thinking and how to challenge it. As I say in much of my writing, you are more likely to be successful if you concentrate on accomplishing small goals. Each small step leads to success.
If you really feel a need to select more irrational beliefs about an event you wrote about, it might be better to split the event into more than one diary entry. By doing so you can be more clear about what the irrational belief pertains which allows you to develop ways to challenge it.
Kindle Books by
Dr. Monica Frank
Analyzing Your Moods, Symptoms, and Events with Excel At Life's Mood Log
Why You Get Anxious When You Don't Want To
Why People Feel Grief at the Loss of an Abusive Spouse or Parent
“Are You Depressed?”: Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
15 Coping Statements for Panic and Anxiety
Beyond Tolerating Emotions: Becoming Comfortable with Discomfort
Emotion Training: What is it and How Does it Work?
How You Can Be More Resistant to Workplace Bullying
Are You Passive Aggressive and Want to Change?
When Your Loved One Refuses Help
Building Blocks Emotion Training
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