Cognitive Distortions and Motivated Reasoning: Navigating the Collision of Beliefs and Behaviors
The more you repeat a certain thought, the more you think about things in this way, the more it becomes instilled in your wiring. So, just for Today, notice what is upsetting you and then pause for some moments introspection and begin questioning the reasons that are making you upset.
Ever found yourself stuck between what you believe and how you act? This episode of 'The Sober Therapist SoberSoul Recovery Podcast' with Lynn Matti dives into the tricky terrain of Cognitive Distortions and Motivated Reasoning. Lynn, a clinical mental health therapist, breaks down how these mental habits can create a tug-of-war between our beliefs and actions, often leading to discomfort and tension.
She explains that this discomfort pushes us to reject, explain away, or avoid new information that challenges our existing views. This isn't just about big life decisions; it can happen in everyday situations too. Lynn shares that many of us aren't even aware of this internal struggle because we might not come from backgrounds where discussing feelings is the norm.
In the episode, she sheds light on common triggers for cognitive dissonance, such as forced compliance or learning something that contradicts our beliefs. She also discusses how we often unknowingly dismiss information that doesn't fit our self-image. But don't worry, Lynn doesn't leave us hanging. She offers practical advice on how to deal with these mental hurdles.
From taking a moment to pause and reflect when something upsets us, to reevaluating our beliefs and values, she provides actionable steps to help align our inner world with our outer actions. Whether you're struggling with addiction, stress, or just want to understand yourself better, this episode is packed with insights that can help you navigate the complex landscape of your mind. Tune in to discover how you can move towards a more harmonious and authentic life.