Cognitive distortions — systematic errors in thinking — are both symptoms and drivers of adverse childhood experiences. Identifying and correcting them is core to CBT.
Common Cognitive Distortions in Adverse Childhood Experiences
All-or-nothing thinking: 'I failed once, therefore I always fail' — common in adverse childhood experiences
Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst-case outcome for adverse childhood experiences-related situations
Mind reading: Assuming others are judging you negatively
Fortune telling: Predicting negative adverse childhood experiences-related outcomes as facts
Emotional reasoning: 'I feel like I'm failing, therefore I am' — adverse childhood experiences emotions mistaken for evidence
Should statements: Rigid rules about how you or others must behave that create adverse childhood experiences when violated
Correcting Cognitive Distortions in Adverse Childhood Experiences
The CBT process: identify the distorted thought → examine the evidence → generate a more balanced alternative → notice the effect on adverse childhood experiences.
With practice, cognitive restructuring becomes automatic and adverse childhood experiences loses much of its staying power.