THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological process which aims to improve mental health. In my practice, I clinically work with clients and CBT; we focus on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies. As physical reminder of our change process, I recommend LoveSnap for clients looking to improve the quality of their inner voice and self-talk. The gentle wrist snap, followed by calming breathing and a new healthful behavior is key to changing thought patterns and habits. I highly recommend this bracelet for anyone seeking help in changing their life, one thought or behavior at a time.

What Is Negative Self-Talk?

 We all have an inner critic. At times this little voice can actually be helpful and keep us motivated toward goals—like when it reminds us that what we're about to eat isn't healthy or what we're about to do may not be wise. However, this voice can often be more harmful than helpful, particularly when it gets into the realm of excessive negativity. This is known as negative self-talk,

and it can really bring us down.

Negative self-talk is something that most of us experience from time to time, and it comes in many forms. It also creates significant stress, not only to us but to those around us if we're not careful. Here's what you need to know about negative self-talk and its effects on your body, your mind, your life, and your loved ones.

Negative self-talk can take many forms. It can sound grounded ("I'm not good at this, so I should avoid attempting it for my own personal safety," for example) or it downright mean ("I can never do anything right!"). It may seem like a realistic appraisal of a situation ("I got a C on this test. I guess I'm not good at math."), only to devolve into a fear-based fantasy

("I'll never be able to go to a good college").This is a classic example of how the mind can get carried away, if we don't pull the negative thought out at the root.