Dale note: this section is a bit of a mess unless someone is actively explaining it to you. In short, when we're presented with a situation, information, an interaction, a conversation, etc. etc. -according to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices, there are two distinct ways of processing the information:
Automatic Thinking (Amygdala): this happens really really quick and allows us to interact, share ideas, challenge threats, etc. -the theory is that automatic thinking is heavily rooted in emotions and core beliefs. Whether they're rational or not. They're influenced by community, culture, negativity bias inherent in humanity, etc. etc.
Rational/Cognitive Thinking (Prefrontal Cortex): this is a bit slower and more evidence-based and rational. Essentially a way of formally & systematically processing ideas, meanings, etc.
Question: why do advertisers, marketers, sales people, and politicians want to speak to your Amygdala rather than your Prefrontal Cortex?
Ollie, "Iceberg of Automatic Thinking," White Board Drawing, 2023.
Ollie, "Human Brain," White Board Drawing, 2023.
Automatic Thoughts
Thoughts that areinstantaneous, habitual, and nonconscious. Automatic thoughts affect a person’s mood and actions. Helping individuals to become aware of the presence and impact of negative automatic thoughts, and then to test their validity, is a central task of cognitive therapy.
APA Dictionary of Psychology, “Automatic thoughts”. Accessed April 20, 2023. (https://dictionary.apa.org/).
Core Values
Abstract Values provide a foundation for decision making, behavior, and emotional reaction; they are often used by practitioners to design effective interventions for self-awareness and personal growth.
Stanislaw, Harold, and Jamie McCreary. 2023. “Identifying Core Values with a Hierarchical, Ipsative, Preference Assessment.” Journal of Personality Assessment 105 (3): 329–41.
