Written by: Rebecca Jones, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What is Cognitive Bias? How can we recognise it? And how can we stop doing it?
"You are today where your thoughts have brought you.
You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you".
Cognitive bias is patterns of distorted thinking.
We all think in distorted ways from time to time.
But some more than others.
Problems arise when we have cognitive bias more than not...
It is important to remember that your thoughts are not necessarily correct and may be heavily skewed for a variety of reasons.
Thoughts become inaccurate and exaggerated in distorted thinking.
People often think in absolutes with no grey areas.
The problem is that once we start 'thinking errors', we tend to stick with them.
They become assumptions and beliefs, and they are retained, unless...
...we make an effort to identify and change them.
So how do we do that?
Here's how...
There are 9 Distorted Ways of Thinking;
And what we must do is learn to recognise them.
Once we can spot ourselves thinking in some or all of these ways, we can stop ourselves and find alternative, more realistic and helpful ways of thinking...
So here are the 9 Distorted Ways of Thinking:
1. Generalising the specific. e.g. "Everyone thinks I'm boring".
Maybe one colleague thinks you're boring, but probably not everyone, right?
2. Mind-reading. "I can tell she doesn't like me".
Really? How do you know? Are you a mind-reader?
3. Magnification & Filtering.
Magnifying the negatives of a situation, whilst at the same time filtering out any positives.
4. Polarised thinking. All or Nothing thinking. Everything is either Black or White. Good or Bad. There is no middle ground. There is no room for negotiation.
5. Catastrophising.
You expect DISASTER!! What If's... My life will be over!!
6. Personalisation. Everything that people do or say is some reaction to you. You often feel criticised.
7. Blaming (The opposite of Personalisation). Everything is always everybody else's fault! You are always the victim.
8. Self-blame. You feel responsible for the pain and happiness of everyone around you.
9. Rigid thinking. Only your opinions and actions are correct.
Everybody else is wrong. You pressure and cajole people to change their views and actions to fit in with you.
"I can't see why people don't see things my way!".
How many of these do you spot yourself doing?
Now don't worry...
We all do some of them from time to time.
The problem is when we do these ways of thinking more often than not, to the point of excluding all other possible ways of thinking...
Using Clinical Hypnotherapy we can change our ways of thinking from Cognitive Bias, to more realistic, positive, and helpful ways of thinking.
Having trained with Paul McKenna and Dr. Richard Bandler, and now a part of Paul McKenna's and Dr. Richard Bandler's staff trainer team, working with them in London, I use a unique and bespoke blend of techniques to help, heal, and 'happify' children and adults of all ages.
Described as a much trusted and valued member of Paul McKenna's and Dr. Richard Bandler's team and a highly sought after Clinical Hypnotherapist I would be happy to help you and your family too.
I am a dedicated Harley Street therapist and consultant in London, as well as working in Manchester and around the world too.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you very soon.
In the meantime, try to catch yourself whenever you may be thinking in these distorted ways.
My latest book 'Source Your Inner Jet-Pack ' can help you with this.
Available in hardback, paperback, and on Kindle on Amazon now:
And next time we'll learn what to do next to change our thinking for the better...
Thank you.
Rebecca Jones M.A. DipPCH
Clinical Hypnotherapist | Consultant | Author
Rebecca Jones, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rebecca Jones (M.A. DipPCH) is a Rebecca Jones (M.A. DipPCH) is a Clinical Hypnotherapist & Consultant (GHR, GHSC) (GQHP, MAC) and CEO/Founder of 'Paris St. Cloud' & 'The Empire State of Mind' Initially trained by Dr. Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna, & now a much trusted & highly valued part of their team, Rebecca is a highly sought-after expert in her field. Rebecca is an inspirational therapist and consultant with her thriving practice in Harley Street London and a successful clinic on Deansgate in Manchester; Rebecca is an inspirational therapist & consultant.
An honoree of both the Global 500 Award, and also the Crea Global Awards, Rebecca received both these prestigious awards in recognition of her innovative ideas, resourcefulness, and her achievements and accomplishments in the areas of mental health and therapy work. Other award winners included the incredible global celebrity, Oprah Winfrey.
Rebecca works globally with clients across the world. Also, with a clinic on Fifth Avenue, NYC, USA, Rebecca works with International clients F2F and online virtually worldwide. ments and Government Officials, United Nations, British Council, OECD, Diplomats, Silicon Valley, and more. Her latest book 'Source Your Inner Jet Pack: Rapid Transformations for Life's Jetsetters' is published, is out now, and is available here! During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, Rebecca has donated her services freely to all doctors, nurses, and medical staff working in hospitals and ICU departments in hospitals worldwide.
Moreover, she has also been conducting her clinical research study and clinical trials to treat patients suffering from Long COVID. There is no other such study taking place in the world. It is unique and one of a kind. It is the first of its kind globally and is at the forefront of therapy and innovation, described as a flagship and ground-breaking research study.
This has been followed by her uniquely devised therapeutic techniques and treatment plans for patients and clients and a series of workshops, seminars, and training programs for therapists, medical practitioners, doctors, and hypnotherapist. Rebecca is now the CEO and Founder of the 'Long COVID Therapy Institute.'
During the pandemic and Lockdown, Rebecca has also provided additional Free Online services, including Free Coaching courses for 'Resilience and Wellbeing in Lockdown' and free services for NHS doctors and nurses in the UK. Rebecca has also been interviewed for the media and radio about her business and her work. As well as working with her private clients in the clinic, Rebecca also provides Corporate seminars, events, & training, as well as well-being sessions and Professional Development courses (CPD) for Businesses, Schools, Corporate, & other Groups. Rebecca is also a professional trainer, training, qualifying, and certifying future Coaches, Mentors, Therapists, and Hypnotherapists. Rebecca is a Guest speaker for public engagements, business events, charity dinners, and fundraisers, both in the UK and overseas. Rebecca's unique clinical hypnotherapy and consultancy methods enable individuals, private and corporate clients alike, to build better lives, redesign their futures, and create personal freedom today!
