Session 9: Eliminating Toxic Thoughts

Three varieties: (Provide lists/explanations of each)

  Emotional Cognitive Distortions

  Cognitive Biases

  Logical Fallacies

Why it is important:

Repetitive, judgmental, or fear-based thinking undermines wellbeing and sleep quality. Recognizing these patterns enables mental hygiene.

How it works:

IDL interviews externalize intrusive thoughts, converting them into characters whose motives can be understood and transformed.

Interview to Engage:

Interview “Worry,” “Self-Doubt,” or “Anger.”

Application/Homework:

• Go through the lists; identify with your partner when and how you tend to either 1) use or 2) be manipulated by one in each category. 
• Replace it with a neutral or constructive alternative.
• Ask your interviewed Sangha member for how it would handle them.