Think Feel Act
In my practice, I often use CBT strategies to help my clients overcome stress, social concerns, mood challenges, and other difficulties. The basic idea of CBT is that our thoughts affect our feelings, which in turn can dictate our actions. If your child thinks “I’m never going to be good at math,” he may feel sad or worried. These reactions may then lead him to avoid homework or school. A vicious cycle may then ensue that reinforces the negative automatic thought of not being capable.
When we challenge those negative automatic thoughts, we give ourselves the opportunity to test out new thoughts that could create positive feelings and behavior. If the same child could be coached to challenge his negative automatic thought with, “Math is hard but I can do it with help.” The new feeling could be one of hope and the associated behavior could be asking for tutoring from his teacher.
The video below is a perfect example of how changing thoughts can lead to a change in behavior. And boy, what a change it created! Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the programs represented in the video and do not receive any monetary gain from sharing this video. The thoughts and ideas suggested in the video are neither endorsed or condoned by me, but rather, offer an example of the CONCEPTS inherent to positive thinking strategies associated with CBT.
Even if you don’t make it through the entire video, consider how you might help your child yourself, your friends to challenge negative automatic thoughts in order to be the best person possible. Happiness and success take work, one thought at a time.
