Examining our thoughts often is very helpful for mental health. This process, called thought detective, allows us to identify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns. With this awareness, clients can start to challenge and reframe these thoughts into ones that are more balanced.
The Thought Detective handout asks clients to examine their thoughts and recognize patterns that may not be beneficial for them. It starts by letting them notice the original thought they had, then walks them through questions to challenge it, and ends with creating a more realistic thought. The handout also includes a list of common thought distortions so that clients can identify thinking traps more easily.
Using this resource supports mental health by teaching kids and teens an important Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skill. Parents can use it at home by helping children talk through difficult thoughts. Repetition and modeling are key to turning this into a lifelong skill.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Positive emotions and your health. (2024, June 17). NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/08/positive-emotions-your-health
- Rnic, K., A Dozois, D. J., & Martin, R. A. (2016). Cognitive Distortions, Humor Styles, and Depression. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 12(3), 348. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v12i3.1118
