Introduction
Unhelpful Thinking Patterns, also known as Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATS), can develop over time and significantly influence our perception of ourselves, others, and the world. At Cork Healing Centre in Blarney, Cork, Ireland, our team of holistic therapists, psychotherapists, and counsellors is here to help you navigate and overcome these patterns, enhancing your mental health and overall wellbeing.
Common Unhelpful Thinking Patterns
- All-or-Nothing Thinking (Black and White Thinking): Embrace a more balanced perspective, recognizing that life is not just about extremes.
- Mental Filter: Our therapists can help you shift your focus from the negative to the positive, allowing you to see a more complete picture.
- Emotional Reasoning: Understand that feelings don’t always reflect reality; challenge your thoughts with evidence-based therapy.
- Catastrophizing: Let our professionals guide you in managing anxious thoughts and focusing on more realistic outcomes.
- Critical Self-Talk: Our team can assist you in building self-compassion and reducing self-criticism.
Identification and Change
At Cork Healing Centre, we understand that identifying these patterns can be challenging. Our therapists will work with you to recognize and challenge these thoughts, providing you with a different perspective. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t believe I failed that exam; I will never succeed, I am no good at anything,” you can learn to rationalize it as, “Okay, I didn’t do as well as I had hoped, but for the repeat, I know what I need to focus on and prepare. If I do better, great, but if not, it’s not the end of the world.”
Impact on Mental Health
Unhelpful thinking patterns can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing. They can affect your relationships, self-esteem, and even your physical health. At Cork Healing Centre, our goal is to help you break free from these patterns, reduce stress, and improve your quality of life.
Strategies for Change
Our therapists employ evidence-based strategies to help you challenge and change unhelpful thinking patterns. The “Catch it, Check it, Change it” method, along with keeping a thought log, can be powerful tools. Additionally, mindfulness and self-compassion practices are integral to fostering a balanced mindset.
Additional Resources
- Explore mindfulness books by Jon Kabat-Zinn, such as “Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life” and “Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment – and Your Life.”
- Download the Insight Timer app for a variety of mindfulness meditations.
- https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-change-negative-thinking
- Utilize the printable thought record from the NHS website to examine and challenge unhelpful thoughts. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/thought-record/
- Access the “Ten Steps to Challenge Unhelpful Thinking Styles Worksheet” from Mindwell for further support. https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ten-steps-to-challenging-an-unhelpful-thinking-style-form-Accessible.pdf
At Cork Healing Centre in Blarney, Cork, Ireland, our dedicated team of therapists are committed to helping you overcome unhelpful thinking patterns and improve your mental health and overall quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a more balanced and positive mindset.
Article written by Vivienne Lillis
