“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…
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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
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Andrew Solomon – Depression, the secret we share
http://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_solomon_depression_the_secret_we_share?lang
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hJD Schramm: Break the Silence for Suicide Attempt Survivors
http://www.ted.com/talks/jd_schramm?language=enuage=en
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Joe Kowan: How I beat stage fright
http://www.ted.com/talks/joe_kowan_how_i_beat_stage_fright
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Susan Cain: The power of introverts
http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts?language=en
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Nancy Etcoff – On happiness and why we want it
http://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_etcoff_on_happiness_and_why_we_want_it
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Sophie Scott: On why we laugh
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Sarah-Jayne Blakemore: The mysterious workings of the adolescent brain
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Growing evidence of brain plasticity
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Sherwin Nuland: How electroshock therapy changed me
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Dan Gilbert: The surprising science of happiness
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Al Seckel: Visual illusions that show how we (mis)think
http://www.ted.com/talks/al_seckel_says_our_brains_are_mis_wired?language=en
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Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en
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Andy Puddicombe: All it takes is 10 mindful minutes
https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes
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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
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Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability
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Phil Hansen: Embrace the shake
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