Cognitive restructuring is a stress management technique that entails evaluating stressors and thought patterns in order to replace negative, self-defeating thoughts with positive ones. The general theory is, that a proliferation of negativity including thoughts, experiences, and outside commentary throughout our lifetime, tend to reduce self-esteem and acceptance (Koopsen & Young, 2009). This pattern of negativity frequently repeats itself and is proven to have a deleterious affect on both immunity and mental fortitude. Cognitive restructuring is comprised of four steps; identify and acknowledge the stressors, examine the situation for a more productive approach, reframe the harmful thoughts, and lastly assess the outcome for effectiveness.
Although cognitive restructuring is an unfamiliar term and philosophy, this coping tool is a concept that I have embraced for many years. I will discuss my most current trial of the technique in …show more content…
I thought about what needed to be completed and in what order these items were best achieved. Often these items would bring up other issues, memories, and physiological symptoms that would get overwhelming. This became step one, where I identified my stressors and acknowledged them. When this happened, I shut down the negative thought and tried to ascertain if there was another way for me to view this problem and resolve the dilemma. This was step two, reevaluating the situation to see if I had enough control to change my approach. Next, I would try to reframe the stressful items in a way that made more productive sense and left me with a feeling of closure. This was step three, or reframing the harmful thought pattern. Lastly, I would take a few deep breaths and see if the cognitive restructuring left me with less stress, a sense of accomplishment, and