A main goal of cognitive therapy is to modify an individual’s cognitive processing to change how that person evaluates and interacts with the world, and constitute a method of personality change. Therapy is time sensitive and based on a unique cognitive conceptualization of each patient. The therapy requires an active participation from the client. Clients are taught to identify and respond to dysfunctional thoughts.
In order to identify what cognitive distortion this client is experiencing, it is necessary to identify the relationships between thoughts, underlying beliefs and feelings. Moreover, it is important to identify thought patterns and any dysfunctional cognitions. The client experienced one hurtful interaction with a co-worker, however she now believes that all employers and coworkers will discriminate against and say harmful things to her. This can be an example of overgeneralization distortion. It occurs when a patient generalizes information from a limited number of observations. In this case, the client generalizes a poor behavior from one person onto a whole employment industry.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is devoted to identifying similar patterns of thinking and helping people develop healthier thinking habits. There are a few techniques that can help fixing and treating cognitive distortion such as overgeneralization. A useful skill is to intentionally investigate client’s thoughts from a number of angles (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2022). Firstly, the client needs to see the costs of thinking this way. She will not be able to find any job, and could end up in poverty. Moreover, the therapist should be able to make the client see the examples of the behaviour, where it is no true. For example, where other coworkers were nice to her and did not make derogatory comments. This way of approaching could help the client see the events clearly, and overcome the distortion.
References
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles (2022). Cognitive Distortions: Overgeneralizing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Web.