“Cognitive restructuring” is one of the cornerstone skills of Cognitive Therapy. It involves identifying thoughts that are impacting our mood and considering alternatives that may be more helpful or accurate. Practicing this simple skill allows us to recognize that our thoughts are flexible and adaptable, and that they have a big impact on how we feel. The simplest way to practice this skill is by using a “thought record,” another hallmark of CBT. Generating alternative thoughts doesn’t require a form or need to be a static practice.
There are so many sources of alternative perspectives and concepts in our media-rich world; one of my favorite places to go is Ted.com, a nonprofit devoted to disseminating the ideas of some of the world’s most inspired thinkers. Here are my Top 15 Ted Talks. If this list is too long or you just want to “be surprised,” select the “surprise me” option on Ted.com (http://www.ted.com/surpriseme). Inspiration, and alternative perspectives, await you…
TOP 15 Ted Talks
Carol Dweck: The Power of Believing you can improve
https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve
Andrew Solomon – Depression, the secret we share
http://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_solomon_depression_the_secret_we_share?lang
hJD Schramm: Break the Silence for Suicide Attempt Survivors
Susan Cain: The power of introverts
http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts?language=en
Nancy Etcoff – On happiness and why we want it
http://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_etcoff_on_happiness_and_why_we_want_it
Sophie Scott: On why we laugh
Sherwin Nuland: How electroshock therapy changed me
Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en
Jennifer Senior: For parents, happiness is a very high bar
https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_senior_for_parents_happiness_is_a_very_high_bar