2. Reframing Cognitive Behaviors
The technique of cognitive restructuring is used to change the automatic thoughts into more positive ones. This is done through replacing negative thoughts with healthy thoughts and improve your mental state. One of the methods used in this technique is learning how to counteract the negativity by writing down positive aspects to seemingly hopeless situations. This is usually done gradually, as are the other techniques, to introduce the new habit. Making a mental comparison or writing it down can show the patient how what they thought was a disaster might not actually be that bad.
Continuous practice of the exercise reprograms the brain and thought patterns so that after some consistent therapy, they will find it to be a more natural process, rather than a forced one. This helps patients because their thoughts are usually so clouded that the reality of a situation is not as obvious to them as it would be for others who are not suffering a mental illness.
