There is Always Another Point of View
In fact there are almost certainly many hundreds of points of view that are equally valid!
In this first principle of CBT you should try to be aware of the fact that the way YOU perceive any particular experience, or extract a ‘meaning’ about something is NOT the only point of view.
This is easily illustrated by the classic optical illusion in which people tend to see either one or the other image.
What’s Your Point of View?
Some people see an old lady with a hooked nose staring down at the ground, whilst other people see a young ‘Parisian’ girl looking away to her right with the picture highlighting her strong left jaw bone.
Both of these ‘perceptions’ are equally valid and its neither one or the other in isolation.
In fact, many people are able to ‘morph’ one perception into the other and back again, but interestingly, it is not possible to perceive both different perceptions simultaneously!
Each point of view is equally valid and are both separate perceptions of exactly the same ‘thing’.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy makes the same assertions about ANY external experience and says that it can be ‘interpreted’ in a number of ways.
The way that any individual ‘decides’ to interpret an external event is, in general, ‘compliant’ or in accordance with what they ‘believe’.
Our own individual ‘perceptual filters’ become very quickly engrained, or habitual, and pre-dispose us towards ‘seeing’ the world in particular ways.
By being aware of this tendency to ‘interpret’ in this way, we can open up a the possibility that certain events or experiences can ‘mean’ something different to that which we might have believed was ‘fixed’.
Arrange a FREE initial consultation
If you’d like to find out more about overcoming or recovering from mental health problems then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.
During this consultation we will discuss your particular problems and the potential solutions in a safe and confidential environment without you having to commit to any therapy or counselling going forward.
The consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet our therapists and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.
CBT Principles
CBT is built upon 5 core principles which state that:
- There’s always another point of view.
- Events DON’T cause feelings.
- Our view of the World is unique.
- Mind affects body, affects mind.
- Our minds act scientifically.
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