Criterion Counseling and Consulting

Nate Van Heuveln | Psychotherapist & Consultant | 08/20/2024

Ever find yourself predicting that everything (or at least something significant) will go wrong without real good evidence it would?

This is a cognitive distortion known as fortune-telling, and it’s a great way to ruin your day and worsen your mood. In this post, we’ll explore how this thinking pattern can negatively impact your mood and offer strategies to replace it with more balanced thinking.

Note: The information in this post is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for mental health care from a licensed provider. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call 988 or 911 for all other emergencies.

1. Definition of Cognitive Distortion from a CBT Perspective

According to Beck (2011), cognitive distortions are biased or irrational ways of thinking that can negatively impact our emotions and behaviors.

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), these distortions are identified as patterns of thought that distort reality, often leading to emotional distress. Understanding these distortions is crucial for developing healthier thinking patterns.

2. Definition of Fortune-Telling

Fortune-telling is a specific type of cognitive distortion where individuals predict negative outcomes without evidence. It involves imagining the worst-case scenario and believing it will inevitably happen, which often exacerbates anxiety and stress.

For instance, thinking, “I’m going to fail this exam” without any real evidence to support it is a classic example of fortune-telling.

3. Examples of Fortune-Telling

Here are a few common examples:

• “I’m sure my presentation will be a disaster, and everyone will think I’m incompetent.”
• “If I don’t get this job, I’ll never find another one, and my career will be ruined.”
• “My partner is going to leave me because I forgot our anniversary.”

These examples illustrate how fortune-telling can lead to unnecessary worry and pessimism.

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