Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Impact on Positive Thinking
Being that it’s the first week of the year, we at Supportive Engagement would like to model taking initiative to be proactive and intentional with our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Many of us start the new year by setting intentions, goals, and resolutions for ourselves. We at Supportive Engagement would like to start the year off strong by discussing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the power it has to impact positive thinking in our everyday lives.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a form of therapy consisting of evidence-based practices and interventions that focus on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. While CBT tends to address how negative thoughts affect our feelings and behaviors, it is equally important to highlight that being intentional about having neutral or positive thoughts about a situation can have a similarly strong influence on our emotional and behavioral responses.
The Power of Intentional Thinking
Most clients I personally work with in therapy using a CBT approach benefit from reflecting on the idea that they only have control over how they choose to think and react to a situation or a problem they are dealing with.
CBT concepts help individuals interested in this approach to counseling understand that their power lies in:
Intentionally thinking about and responding to situations, rather than reacting automatically or impulsively.
Recognizing negative thought patterns and shifting them towards more neutral or positive perspectives.
Developing self-awareness around their inner thoughts and behaviors.
Understanding the CBT Triangle
The CBT Triangle explains how our thoughts, feelings, and actions influence each other and often lead to a “negative feedback loop.”
For example, consider this thinking pattern:
Thought: “No one likes me.”
Feeling: Sadness from this negative thought.
Behavior: Isolation or avoiding conversations with others.
This negative feedback loop can become a recurring cycle, reinforcing negative emotions and actions. However, gaining self-awareness about these inner thoughts and behaviors can shed light on where you have control. By intentionally thinking more neutral or positive thoughts, you can break free from harmful or unhelpful cycles.
Implementing Positive Thinking with CBT
While many of these CBT concepts sound easier said than done, countless individuals have learned, implemented, and continue to demonstrate positive thinking as a result of CBT and its life-changing principles.
If you’re interested in:
Thinking more positively
Developing a healthier outlook on life
Breaking free from negative thought cycles
Then CBT principles can make a world of difference in your life, both on a big and small scale, moving forward into 2025.
