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The Daily Insight

What is decatastrophizing technique?

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on February 28, 2026

Decatastrophizing is a cognitive restructuring technique to reduce or challenge catastrophic thinking. The term ‘decatastrophizing’ was coined by Albert Ellis who developed REBT, but as a technique it is equally at home within a CBT model.

What is the duration of cognitive therapy?

A highly effective psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can affect our feelings and behavior. Traditional CBT treatment usually requires weekly 30- to 60-minute sessions over 12 to 20 weeks.

Is cognitive restructuring effective?

It is concluded that cognitive restructuring is an effective treatment strategy for psychological disorders, especially anxiety and depression.

Does CBT work long term?

The study found when CBT was given, in addition to usual care that included antidepressants, it was effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life over the long term – on average 46 months – for patients whose depression had not responded to medication.

What is the success rate of CBT?

Research shows that CBT is the most effective form of treatment for those coping with depression and anxiety. CBT alone is 50-75% effective for overcoming depression and anxiety after 5 – 15 modules.

Does CBT make you feel worse?

Some people worry therapy might make things even worse. This can happen sometimes. this is because starting therapy can stir up emotions that you weren’t aware of or had tried to ignore. This is normal, but can be tough.

How effective is cognitive restructuring?

How do you challenge distorted thinking?

THE CHALLENGE: Embrace the positives and take pride in accomplishments. Evaluate the thoughts and take away the negativity. Instead of terms such as “I got lucky”, believe “I was prepared” or “I worked really hard”. Increasing the positives will create a positive outlook and increase self-esteem.

What is cognitive restructuring and how does it work?

Cognitive restructuring starts with the identification of irrational negative thoughts (cognitive distortions). This is trickier than it sounds. Cognitive distortions can happen so quickly that they come and go before we’ve noticed them. They’re more like a reflex than an intentional behavior.

How can cognitive behavioral therapy help with addiction?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or simply cognitive therapy, can help youchange your old addictive thought patterns. It is a process in which youbecome aware of your thoughts and feelings, interrupt them, and changethem into more realistic patterns. Cognitive therapy can help to preventrelapse and improve your quality of life.

How can a therapist help me with cognitive distortions?

A therapist can help you learn which cognitive distortions are affecting you. They can also explain how and why a thought is irrational or inaccurate. A therapist can also help you learn how to “question” faulty thought patterns and redesign them so they’re more positive.

Why is it important to change my addictive thought patterns?

Addictive thinking can lead to substance use and may be an early sign ofpending relapse. Changing your old addictive thought patterns is importantfor recovery and plays a key role in your relapse prevention plan.