Lesson Title
Understanding and Overcoming Cognitive Distortions
Duration: 75 Minutes
This lesson aims to educate participants on cognitive distortions, helping them recognize and challenge these irrational thought patterns. It emphasizes the role of balanced thinking in improving emotional well-being and promotes strategies used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to foster healthier thinking habits.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:
- Define cognitive distortions and understand their impact on emotions and behaviors.
- Identify different types of cognitive distortions and recognize them in daily life.
- Apply techniques to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts.
- Practice strategies to promote balanced and realistic thinking patterns.
- Develop a personal action plan to manage cognitive distortions.
- 0-10 minutes: Introduction to cognitive distortions and their relevance in mental health.
- 10-25 minutes: Presentation on types of cognitive distortions, with examples.
- 25-40 minutes: Group activity – Identifying distortions in provided case studies or scenarios.
- 40-55 minutes: Role-play exercises to practice challenging distorted thoughts.
- 55-70 minutes: Individual work on worksheets to identify personal cognitive distortions and develop strategies to manage them.
- 70-75 minutes: Summarizing key takeaways, Q&A, and guidance on further resources.
Facilitator Notes
- Empathetic Engagement: Foster a safe and understanding environment for participants to explore sensitive topics.
- Interactive Learning: Encourage active participation in group activities and discussions to enhance learning and self-awareness.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust the content and discussions based on the participants’ responses and needs.
- Supportive Resources: Provide information on additional mental health resources, including CBT therapists, self-help books, and online platforms.
- Follow-Up: Suggest keeping a thought diary as a post-session activity to practice identifying and challenging cognitive distortions in everyday life.