Cognitive Distortions, Biases & Fallacies

Problematic thinking—whether in the form of cognitive distortions, biases, or logical fallacies—can block healing, balancing, and transformation. These thought patterns affect emotions, behavior, self-image, and relationships, and they often appear in dreams as recurring themes that reveal unresolved internal conflicts.

[accordion] [accordion-item title=”Emotional Cognitive Distortions”]

Definition: Habitual patterns of thinking that exaggerate, misinterpret, or filter experiences through emotional lenses.

Examples:

• All-or-nothing thinking: “If I fail, I’m worthless.”
• Catastrophizing: “This mistake will ruin everything.”
• Emotional reasoning: “I feel afraid, so something must be wrong.”

Toxic effects:

• Creates shame, guilt, and low self-esteem.
• Undermines self-regulation and emotional resilience.
• Increases relational conflict and misunderstanding.

Antidotes:

• Identify and label distortions in real-time.
• Reframe thoughts with balanced alternatives.
• Practice mindfulness and IDL interviewing to explore perspectives.

[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Cognitive Biases”]

Definition: Systematic errors in perception, memory, or judgment that distort understanding, often unconsciously.

Examples:

• Confirmation bias: Only noticing evidence that supports existing beliefs.
• Negativity bias: Focusing excessively on negative events.
• Sunk cost fallacy: Persisting in decisions because of past investment.

Toxic effects:

• Limits objectivity and problem-solving.
• Reinforces rigid self-concepts and maladaptive behaviors.
• Escalates conflicts in relationships.

Antidotes:

• Seek disconfirming evidence and multiple perspectives.
• Use reflective journaling or IDL interviewing to examine assumptions.
• Apply decision-making frameworks to reduce bias impact.

[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Logical Fallacies”]

Definition: Errors in reasoning or argumentation that violate principles of logic.

Examples:

• Ad hominem: Attacking a person instead of addressing the argument.
• Straw man: Misrepresenting an argument to refute it more easily.
• False cause: Assuming causation from correlation.

Toxic effects:

• Blocks accurate understanding and insight.
• Creates conflict and misunderstanding in communication.
• Undermines effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Antidotes:

• Learn to identify common fallacies in oneself and others.
• Practice structured reasoning and argument evaluation.
• Use IDL interviewing to examine assumptions underlying beliefs.

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