In the seminal studies that laid the foundation for Cognitive Response Therapy, an important concept was identified: Cognitive Traps. Cognitive Traps are language constructs that indicate possible issues with a person's mental well-being. The original study contained 15 Cognitive Traps, including what was referred to as "Decision Lattitude". Decision Lattitude was any language that expressed a frustration over the lack of control people had over situations they faced or people they interacted with.

This episode introduces a more nuanced version of the original Cognitive Trap by replacing Decision Lattitude with two new ones: Perceived Agency and Outsourcing Well-being. Understanding these powerful concepts can help you identify troublespots that are driving consistent high levels of stress hormones that can be the cause of many physical and mental health issues.

I was inspired to record this episode after reading a post recently that said, “your thoughts drive how you feel”. It’s a sentiment I have heard before. If you have negative thoughts, you’ll feel negative, and if you have positive thoughts, you’ll feel positive. The problem with that sentiment is, it has the causal relationship backwards and confuses thoughts with thinking.

Understanding the relationship between thoughts, thinking, and your mental health can make all the difference.

This episode will help you understand:

• where thoughts come from
• the difference between thoughts and thinking and why that matters
• the power of personal narratives

Make sure to head over to ElliotBarnett.com and check out associated articles and the certification programs for Cognitive Response Therapy and the ARAEt framework!

There's a reason that the first phase of the ARAEt framework is Awareness Management, and why the first phase of a mental health journey leveraging Cognitive Response Therapy focuses on awareness. It is foundational to helping yourself or others live an Optimal Life.

Becoming both internally and externally aware of what you are currently unaware of is crucial to a healing journey. You can't heal what you aren't aware of, and you can't resolve something that you don't understand the source of.

In this episode, the fundamental aspects of Awareness Management are introduced along with practical and actionable steps that you can immediately implement in your life and help your clients do the same.

Make sure to head over to elliotbarnett.com to become certified in CRT and the ARAEt framework so you can truly empower yourself and others to live an Optimal Life.