The Cognitive Triangle

The cognitive triangle is a model that shows the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people understand how their thoughts affect their feelings and behaviors, and how they can change their thoughts to improve their feelings and behaviors.

The cognitive triangle is made up of three parts:

  • Thoughts. Thoughts are the things that go through your mind. They can be about anything, but they often focus on yourself, other people, and the world around you.
  • Feelings. Feelings are the emotions that you experience. They can be positive, such as happiness and contentment, or negative, such as sadness, anger, and anxiety.
  • Behaviors. Behaviors are the things that you do. They can be physical, such as talking or moving, or mental, such as thinking or feeling.

The cognitive triangle shows how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. When you have a thought, it can trigger a feeling, which can then lead to a behavior. For example, if you think that you are not good enough, you might feel sad or anxious, which might lead you to avoid social situations.

The cognitive triangle can also be used to show how you can change your thoughts to improve your feelings and behaviors. If you have a negative thought, you can challenge it by asking yourself if it is really true. You can also replace it with a positive thought. For example, if you think that you are not good enough, you might replace it with the thought that you are a valuable and capable person.

The cognitive triangle is a helpful tool for understanding how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors. By understanding the cognitive triangle, you can learn how to change your thoughts to improve your feelings and behaviors.

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