Reframing Negative Thoughts Worksheet

Identifying negative thoughts

Identifying negative thoughts can be a difficult process. There are a couple of ways that individuals working on their negative self-talk habits can work to identify them.

Shifting perspective

Individuals can use reframing to support them in shifting their perspective on negative self-talk and automatic thoughts. By shifting their perspective, they can see that maybe their thoughts are incorrect and work on shifting focus onto more positive self-talk rituals.

Saying it out loud

It can be easy to think negatively while the words are not spoken. Individuals who have negative thoughts may be encouraged to say them out loud. This can often lead to the individual realizing their thoughts are untrue.

Even telling a trusted friend or their psychologist can support a quick laugh about the whole situation or realizing that our negative thoughts can be ridiculous.

Containing negative thoughts

Another way that individuals can work to build resilience against their negative self-talk and automatic thoughts is by containing them. If the individual you are working with leans more towards the pessimist side of the scale, supporting them in managing their negative self-talk may be helpful.

During this time, individuals may only allow themselves one hour during the day to be negative or write it down in their journal each night before bed. This way, the negative thoughts only take up a moment of their time.

Writing them down

Individuals utilizing this tool may be encouraged to write down their negative self-talk and thoughts. To do this, individuals can write this down, close the journal, or rip up the paper when the thought arises. This can demonstrate that the negative self-talk has no restrictive feelings for them.

How does reframing work?

Reframing works by taking automatic negative thoughts and shining a different perspective. Individuals experiencing a difficult time with their automatic thoughts can work on identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with positive thinking.

To make this easier to understand, we've created a step-by-step process you can follow during therapy sessions with clients.

Step one: Download the form

You can obtain the form through the link below or by searching our templates page on the Carepatron website. You can download the printable version for your device's online use or utilize a physical copy.

Step two: Talk with your client

Talking with your clients is the best way to understand how they feel and understand themselves. During this time, you can work with them to practice positively identifying themselves by utilizing positive thinking.

Step three: Fill out the form

It's up to you how you want to do this part. You can either work with your client to begin cognitive restructuring or, depending on their need for this form, you can set it as a homework task. However you want to complete the worksheet, you know your client best and how they will benefit from it.

Step four: Secure the form in the Carepatron system

You can rely on Carepatron to store the worksheet securely. Whether you would like to recheck it later to identify negative emotions that the individual once held or to identify cognitive distortions that may influence their self-esteem, you can rest assured that this form is stored securely within our system.

Why is this form useful for psychologists?

This form can be a valuable resource for psychologists as it supports their patients on their mental health journey in challenging negative thoughts. You can utilize this form by giving it to your patients during your sessions to work together. It may be easier to support them in working through it during their first step, but they should be able to complete it in their own time afterward.

It can also be used as a long-term mental health treatment plan. Individuals who struggle with maintaining a positive mindset may be inclined to utilize it to practice positive self-talk with themselves. This can also be checked in on during the subsequent few sessions together.

It can also help you as a psychologist comprehend how your patients think about themselves and their thought processes. Having the basic knowledge about where your client currently stands can make a massive difference when exploring future ideas and their automatic negative thoughts.

Benefits of reframing negative thoughts

The list of benefits when it comes to reframing negative thoughts is massive. When an individual thinks of reframing their thoughts, that is a massive step in a positive direction. Challenging negative thoughts can be difficult, but the benefits they will reap are great for the mind, body, and soul. Here are a few:

Increased self-awareness

Individuals who can identify the voices raising negative and critical thoughts in their brains are more likely to understand themselves better. By being able to reframe negative thoughts, an individual will likely engage in an abundance of self-reflection. This allows them to be aware of their thought patterns as well as being able to create change for themselves.

Knowing when a negative thought may arise in a situation is helpful. Going further and replacing those thoughts can help create a positive space for the individual.

Improved mood

Another essential benefit to reframing negative thoughts is the overall effect on mood. Individuals who can shift their focus from pessimism to positive self-talk often find themselves in an improved mood and better mental and emotional well-being.

For example, thinking confidently can enhance confidence within a person, so why can't reframe those negative thoughts? Individuals moving to positive thoughts may enjoy social gatherings more, be more motivated to go out, and even feel better.

References

Scott, E. (2023, November 22). The Toxic Effects of Negative Self-Talk. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-self-talk-and-how-it-affects-us-4161304

‍