Cognitive restructuring (CR) is a psychotherapeutic process of learning to identify and dispute irrational or maladaptive thoughts known as cognitive distortions,[1] such as all-or-nothing thinking (splitting), magical thinking, overgeneralization, magnification,[1] and emotional reasoning, which are commonly associated with many mental health disorders.
RET also classifies four types of irrational beliefs: dire necessity, feeling awful, cannot stand something, and self-condemnation.
Mood repair strategies are implemented in cognitive restructuring in hopes of contributing to a cessation of the negative cycle.
[18] There are many methods used in cognitive restructuring, which usually involve identifying and labelling distorted thoughts, such as "all or none thinking, disqualifying the positive, mental filtering, jumping to conclusions, catastrophizing, emotional reasoning, should statements, and personalization.
[21] Other criticisms include that the approach is mechanistic and impersonal and that the relationship between therapist and client is irrelevant.