When Reality Is a Moving Target: Cognitive Distortions in Action

When an estranged parent says she has no idea why her children left, she’s convincing. The pain in her eyes, the confusion or indignation in her voice, they’re all real. In the face of that conviction, it’s hard not to believe her.

That’s why I’m starting a series of blog posts called When Reality Is a Moving Target: Cognitive Distortions in Action. Each post will focus on an instance in which both sides get to tell their version of the story. The purpose is to show how people speak and act when they’re under the influence of cognitive distortions, and how they respond when their distortions are challenged. If you’ve dealt with someone who uses these distortions, I hope you’ll find it validating. If you’re new to dealing with personality disorders, I hope you’ll find it illuminating.

Today’s example is the classic mother who has no idea why her daughters don’t want to see her. Full props to Dr. Phil–his record is hit and miss, but in this video he peels the mother apart like an orange.

https://youtu.be/SwAxOvgXS-0

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