What is an example of a technique used in cognitive restructuring?

Identifying negative thoughts is a foundational technique used in cognitive restructuring. This therapeutic approach focuses on recognizing and challenging distorted thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress. By helping clients pinpoint specific negative thoughts, counselors can guide them through the process of evaluating the validity of these thoughts and replacing them with more balanced, realistic alternatives. This step is crucial because negative thoughts can lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and other negative emotions that are often at the core of a person’s struggles with substance use and other mental health issues.

Other techniques, while useful in therapy, fall outside the specific practices of cognitive restructuring. Journaling, for example, can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and processing emotions but does not directly address cognitive distortions. Group sharing fosters social support and connection but is more reflective of group therapy approaches rather than the individual focus of cognitive restructuring. Role-playing can aid in practicing new behaviors and social skills but does not focus primarily on the thought processes that cognitive restructuring aims to modify. Thus, identifying negative thoughts stands out as a direct application of cognitive restructuring techniques.