Cognitive Restructuring and Cognitive Reappraisal

Our emotions, thoughts, and behavior are inextricably linked. When any one of these components is altered, it affects all the others in the system. When people are depressed or anxious, usually thoughts, behavior, and emotions are in a negative feedback loop, feeding off one another and maintaining the negative mood state. Cognitive restructuring, also known as cognitive reappraisal, is designed to not only recognize these harmful ways of thinking but to significantly change them to reverse anxiety and depression. Cognitive Restructuring is a useful tool for understanding and reacting differently to the thinking patterns that negatively influence our mood and behavior.

There are numerous methods for identifying and altering dysfunctional thought patterns. Generally, they all begin with identifying automatic thoughts, those thoughts that provide a running commentary to our experience. Instead of accepting all of these thoughts as accurate reflections of reality, the cognitive therapist helps the patient learn to think of these thoughts as guesses about what is really going on and consider alternate points of view. In this way, the client is able to develop a more balanced way of thinking about whatever is causing him or her distress. 

For example, in the case of someone with depression, because of the negative feedback loop between thoughts, emotions, and behavior, the depressed person’s thoughts tend to be pessimistic, filtered through “smoke-colored lenses.” This results in negative emotions such as sadness and despair. These thoughts and emotions make it more difficult for the person to call a friend, do his/her best at work, or engage in activities that normally improve that person’s mood. By looking at the dysfunctional thoughts associated with depression, and seeing them as guesses, that person is better able to consider other points of view about his or her situation, leading to less hopelessness and sadness, which in turn results in more behaviors that promote happiness and satisfaction. 

There is a good deal of research supporting the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring with a number of psychological problems. These include phobias, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and alcohol and drug problems, to name a few. 

Cognitive restructuring is based on cutting-edge research and is effective for a range of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and drug and alcohol problems.

To learn more about CBT cognitive restructuring in Los Angeles or to discover more about CBT, what it can be used to treat, or the methods involved, including our CBT exercises, we invite you to use the menu at the top of the page.