1. Thinking Errors

2. THINKING ERRORS: n Thinking errors are when you think and believe things which have no basis in reality. n In other words, your thinking is not accurate about events, ourselves, or others. n Everyone occasionally thinks, feels or acts in distorted ways.

3. Different Terms for Thinking Errors n Criminal Self-Talk n Irrational Beliefs n Cognitive Distortions n Criminal Thinking Errors

4. Everyone Uses Thinking Errors at One Time or Another n “Everyone was speeding, officer.” n “I work hard. I deserve to fake a sick day.” n “I had a bad day. She should have known that would make me mad.”

5. Thinking Errors Become A Problem When

6. n You use them to make hurtful actions seem okay and right in your own mind

7. n You use them to avoid taking full responsibility for yourself and your actions

8. n You use them to avoid looking at how you violate other peoples’ rights in order to get what you want or think you need

9. n You use them to avoid looking at the negative impact your behavior has on other people

10. n You use them almost all of the time – Your main style of thinking is distorted and flawed in order to avoid accepting responsibility

11. Thinking Errors Are Used To Feel Power And Control n The need to not feel powerless and to feel that we are okay is a very human need. n However, when you try to meet these needs by acting self-empowered you ignore the rights and needs of others or try to control them.

12. n These feelings of control or power are only TEMPORARY because you must continue to violate other people’s rights to gain these feelings. Then you must continue to use thinking errors to justify your actions and avoid taking responsibility.

13. n Good feelings about ourselves, our personal power, and self control in our own lives come from: –Accepting responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors –Being honest with ourselves and others –Respecting the needs and rights of other people

14. How do we take full responsibility for our thoughts and behaviors? n 1. Recognize Truth n 2. Acknowledge It n 3. Accept It

15. Tell Yourself: n I have the ability and am capable of making positive decisions and choices n My behavior is my decision and my choice n I own both the positive and negative consequences of my behaviors n The reality is that my behavior hurts others n I will check out what others feel or think about my actions n I can find ways to change my behavior in order to meet my needs without hurting others

16. Thinking Errors This training presentation is available for download at: www.utahparenting.org © 2007 Utah Youth Village.