Tools and Exercises
Negative & Positive Cognitions
Internal thoughts affect our attitudes, choices and outcomes. Use the comparisons below to redirect your negative cognitions into positive cognitions.
Negative Thoughts
Responsibility
- I should have known better
- I should have done something
- I did something wrong
- I am to blame
- I cannot be trusted
- My best is not good enough
Safety
- I cannot trust myself
- I cannot trust anyone
- I am in danger
- I am not safe
- I cannot show my emotions
Choice
- I am not in control
- I have to be perfect/please everyone
- I am weak
- I am trapped
- I have no options
Power
- I cannot get what I want
- I cannot handle it/stand it
- I cannot succeed
- I cannot stand up for myself
- I cannot let it out
- I am powerless/helpless
Value
- I am not good enough
- I am a bad person./ I am terrible
- I am permanently damaged
- I am defective
- I am worthless/inadequate
- I am insignificant/I am not important
- I deserve to die
- I deserve only bad things
- I am stupid
- I do not belong
- I am different
- I am a failure
- I am ugly/My body is ugly
- I am alone
Positive Thoughts
Responsibility
- I did the best I could
- I do the best I can with what I have
- I did/do my best
- I am blameless/I am not at fault
- I can be trusted
- I am okay/I do my best
Safety
- I can trust myself
- I can choose who to trust
- I am safe now
- I can create my sense of safety
- I can show my emotions
Choice
- I am in control
- I have power now
- I can help myself
- I have a way out
- I have options
Power
- I can get what I want
- I can handle it
- I can succeed
- I can stand up for myself
- I can let it out
- I am powerful
Value
- I am good enough
- I am a good person
- I am restored/ I am sacred
- I am whole
- I am worthy
- I am significant/ I am important
- I deserve to live
- I deserve only good things
- I am smart
- I can belong
- I am special
- I am a success
- I am beautiful/My body is sacred
- I am supported