Decatastrophizing Worksheet for Kids
By
HappierTherapy
Author bio
The Happier Therapy editorial team is made up of Masters and PhD counselling psychologists. Each worksheet is created by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The worksheet then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
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Decatastrophizing is a cognitive restructuring technique to treat cognitive distortions.
Cognitive restructuring refers to the act of identifying ineffective patterns in thinking and changing them to be more effective.
Cognitive distortions are repeated patterns of unrealistic or inaccurate, negative thinking. Cognitive distortion in children is referred to as “stinkin thinkin”
What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy used to help children and adults identify negative thought patterns, learn how to regulate responses, and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
This is a type of talking therapy specifically adapted to treat children and adults who suffer from extremely intense emotions.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
This is a type of therapy that helps children and adults identify irrational beliefs and negative thought patterns that may lead to emotional or behavioral issues.
How Will This Worksheet Help You?
This worksheet will offer support, empathy, and validation to children by helping them reduce their thinking errors.
How Should You Use This Worksheet?
This worksheet should be used when children experience excessive worries or struggles with extreme emotions.
This worksheet should also be used when the child’s negative thinking patterns influence their emotions and behaviors.
Additionally, this worksheet should be used by a parent/ caregiver to help the child understand and overcome their “stinkin thinkin”
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References
1.-
Child Mind Institute. (© 2022). How to Change Negative Thinking Patterns. Available at: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-change-negative-thinking-patterns/. [Accessed December 15, 2022]
2.-
Wonder Baby. (© 2006 – 2022). Common Sources of Cognitive Distortions for Kids. Available at: https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/cognitive-distortions-for-kids. [Accessed December 15, 2022]
