Humans are among a very small percentage of creatures that have the documented capacity to imagine vivid and complex ideas. We can engage in fun fantasies like driving our dream car, traveling to exotic locations, and finding our true love in the most romantic way. We can also imagine worst-case scenarios like our heaviest concerns for the day coming to pass, imagining coming face to face with a specific phobia, or picturing exactly how that argument with your partner will play out later.
What Are Cognitive Distortions?
A cognitive distortion is an exaggerated or irrational thought pattern. These distortions tend to lead to common psychological states, such as depression and anxiety. They are ways that people twist information they receive from the environment. These biases often reinforce negative thought patterns and are the focus of CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.