how to identify core beliefs
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How to Identify Core Beliefs -II

In our previous post, we explored core beliefs, and their types. In this post, we will dive into cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to identify core beliefs. Here are three effective methods: 1. Detecting Patterns and Themes When you examine recurring thoughts, emotional reactions, and behaviors, you may start to notice certain patterns and themes. For…

Can We Have Mixed Emotions? The Neuroscience of Ambivalence
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Can We Have Mixed Emotions? The Neuroscience of Ambivalence

Previously, we discussed how emotions arise, are regulated, and get resolved in the brain. But can we have more than one—perhaps even more than two—emotions at the same time? Research suggests that we can. Ambivalence, the experience of having two or more contradictory emotions simultaneously, is common. Studies indicate that the brain processes multiple emotions…

Core Beliefs in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -I
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Core Beliefs in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -I

What Are Core Beliefs? Core beliefs are the very foundational beliefs that shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs develop early in life through experiences, especially those involving caregivers and significant life events.  CBT categorizes cognition into three levels: 1. Automatic thoughts – “I will fail this test.” 2. Maladaptive assumptions…

Automatic Thought Example for Chronic Disease and Chronic Pain
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Automatic Thought Example for Chronic Disease and Chronic Pain

Living with a chronic disease means constantly managing recurring symptoms and adapting to a new, often unwelcome, reality. This requires not just physical, but also psychological and emotional adjustment. In fact, coping with this new condition often becomes even more important than coping with the physical symptoms themselves. Research shows that automatic thoughts accompanying chronic…

“I Will Never Be Able to Lose Weight…”
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“I Will Never Be Able to Lose Weight…”

Many of us want to lose weight from time to time, but when the process does not go as expected, we become frustrated and start believing that we will fail. Focusing on this thought rather than our goal often makes the process more difficult than it already is. Let’s see how someone who thinks, “I…

I haven't done enough to deserve to rest
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I haven’t done enough to deserve to rest…

Many of us are constantly on the go, to the point where we can’t truly rest except when we sleep. Yet, there’s that inner voice saying, “You should be doing more.” But how helpful is the belief that we must do a lot to earn the right to rest? Let’s take a closer look. Here…

automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions in anxiety
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Automatic Thoughts  and Cognitive Distortions in Anxiety

When we feel anxious, we have certain automatic thoughts more frequently. If you have noticed, our thoughts during anxiety will usually fit into this formula: Also, when we are anxious, due to intense feelings of fear, we see the world in a biased way, and believe these unhelpful thoughts more easily. This is called cognitive…

epigenetic regulation in psychiatric disorders

Epigenetic Regulation in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Decades of research has shown that genetics greatly contribute to the development of a psychiatric disorder. This contribution reaches up to 40 to 80% at most extreme cases. However, heritability doesn’t seem to be sufficient to explain the whole story.  It seems that environmental factors shape our genes and help explain the rest of it….

Can We Choose What to Think?
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Can We Choose What to Think?

Thousands of thoughts pass through the mind during a day. However, only some of these catch our attention while most cannot make their way into our consciousness. Moreover, we stay focused on some thoughts more when compared to others.  Then, is it random that some thoughts are more prominent or is there any decision mechanism…