In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), core beliefs are deeply held convictions about ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs, often unspoken and formed through early life experiences, act as internal lenses. They shape how we interpret events and influence our automatic thoughts and emotional responses.
For instance, if you have a core belief of being "unlovable" you might interpret a friend's brief unavailability as personal rejection, and feel anxious or sad. Conversely, another person without this belief might view the same situation as a result of the friend's busy schedule, eliciting no negative emotion.
These core beliefs are self-sustaining: like a powerful magnet, they tend to attract evidence that confirms them and dismiss or distort information that contradicts them. This reinforcement can perpetuate unhelpful thinking patterns and emotional distress.
Recognizing and challenging these core beliefs is a fundamental aspect of CBT. By identifying and restructuring unhelpful core beliefs, clients can alter their interpretations of events, which in turn can lead to more balanced emotional responses and healthier interactions with the world.
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