Negative thoughts can hold us back and affect how we feel emotionally, cognitively, spiritually, and even physically. Thoughts like self-doubt or fear of failure can make it hard to see our strengths or move forward in life. Counselling offers a safe and supportive space to explore these thoughts and learn how to change them. With the help of a counsellor, you can start to recognize and reframe negative thinking, creating healthier habits that support growth and balance.
Understanding Negative Thought Patterns
Negative thought patterns don’t appear overnight—they often come from past experiences, stress, or how we see ourselves. These patterns can show up as harsh self-talk, expecting the worst, or focusing only on what’s wrong. Over time, they create a cycle that’s hard to break, making it difficult to see situations clearly or respond in a balanced way.
For Indigenous Peoples, these patterns can also be influenced by intergenerational trauma and the impacts of colonialism, which can add layers of shame or self-doubt about identity. Counselling can help you break this cycle by exploring the roots of these thoughts and understanding how they affect your life.
How Counselling Supports Reframing
A big part of counselling is learning how to reframe your thoughts—to see things in a new way. Reframing doesn’t mean ignoring your struggles or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about finding a clearer, more balanced perspective.
For example, if you often think, “I always mess things up,” a counsellor can help you look at this belief and find evidence that challenges it. Maybe you’ve had successes or moments where things went well, but the negative thought is blocking you from seeing them. By shifting your perspective, you can approach challenges with more confidence and less self-criticism.
Practical Tools for Reframing in Counselling
Counsellors use different techniques to help you challenge and change negative thoughts. Here are some tools you might explore:
- Identifying Triggers: Recognizing the situations or feelings that trigger negative thoughts can help you prepare and respond in healthier ways.
- Challenging Automatic Thoughts: Learning to question negative thoughts and ask, “Is this true?” or “Am I making assumptions?” can help you see things more clearly.
- Practicing Mindfulness: Being present in the moment can reduce overthinking and help you focus on what you can control right now.
- Creating Positive Affirmations: Replacing negative self-talk with positive statements about yourself can slowly shift your mindset over time.
For Indigenous Peoples, these tools can also include connecting with cultural practices, such as smudging, drumming, ceremony or seeking guidance from Elders. These traditions can offer a sense of grounding and healing as you navigate challenging thoughts.
By using these tools in your everyday life, you can start to shift your mindset and build healthier ways to handle stress and challenges. Counselling isn’t just about fixing what’s wrong—it’s about finding balance, honouring your strengths, and creating space for growth and healing.
