Negative thought patterns are one of the most significant hurdles in addiction recovery. A cognitive-behavioral therapy program will help you build the muscles and stamina to leap over the hurdles of negative thought with ease. Cognitive-behavioral therapy works on the premise that changing behaviors changes thought patterns. Sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy build new skills and neuropathways so that when negative thought patterns arise, you have already programmed your body and mind to deal with the thoughts constructively instead of getting caught in the negative feedback loop.
At Fort Behavioral Health, our cognitive-behavioral therapists have an excellent track record of success with clients across demographics. If you’re ready to break free of negative thought patterns through a supportive cognitive-behavioral therapy program, reach out to us today by completing our online form or calling 844.332.1807.
Dealing with Negative Thought Patterns
To a certain extent, you will inevitably experience negative thoughts and, by extension, negative thought patterns. The difference comes in how you deal with those negative thoughts. The great danger of negative thought patterns is not the thoughts themselves. Thoughts are fleeting, they come and they pass, usually within minutes. What is dangerous is the repeating pattern of negative thoughts or feedback loop. This loop is dangerous because the further you follow it, the longer you indulge the negative thoughts, the more difficult it becomes to break free of their grip.
Dealing with negative thought patterns is a matter of training yourself to see the thoughts for what they are, just thoughts. Temporary images that come and go. Once you can begin to separate yourself from what you are thinking, you are well on your way to dealing with negative thought patterns healthily and constructively.
Separating yourself from your thoughts requires practice and training. The next time you find yourself in the midst of a negative thought pattern, there are strategies to use, such as:
- Write it down. Set a timer for five minutes and write down every negative thought that crosses your mind. Writing purges the thoughts from your brain and allows you to release them. When the timer goes off, set the thoughts aside and begin a new activity.
- Focus on the present moment. Engage your sense. Find five things you can see, four textures you can touch, identify and name three sounds, two things to smell, and one thing you can taste.
- Don’t “should” all over yourself. Many negative thought patterns are heavily laden with “I shoulds.” When you notice this, refocus and replace “should” with an action. “I should workout” can become, “I will take a walk.”
Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns for Good
The process of overcoming negative thought patterns for good is just that, a process. The best gift you can give yourself in this process is to accept imperfection and commit to improvement. You will fail from time to time. There will be negative thought patterns that draw you in. What is important is that you can take each instance of imperfection and recognize that it is a step on the path to overcoming negative thought patterns. Learn and move forward with the knowledge that practice makes progress, not perfection. If you struggle to overcome negative thought patterns, know that you don’t have to do it alone.
Learn More About Dealing with Negative Thought Patterns at Fort Behavioral Health
At Fort Behavioral Health, we are here to help you overcome the negative thought patterns that are holding you back. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to employing the best tools and techniques in the industry to give you the support you need in overcoming the pain of negative thought patterns.
We are here to help you break free from negative patterns. Don’t wait. Reach out to us at 844.332.1807 or complete our online contact form to reclaim your life.
