Reframing

Reframing involves modifying the interpretation of a particular thought, situation, or experience, which in turn changes its emotional effects, rather than changing the outside situation, reframing changing internal attitudes and meanings. For example, one can think of a failure in one’s personal growth, which diminishes negative feelings and increases one’s motivation, rather than thinking of failure as evidence of incompetence. This technique is prevalent in cognitive-behavioral therapy, wherein patients are encouraged to rethink and challenge their negative thoughts to reform other dysfunctional thoughts. Reframing promotes cognitive flexibility which aids one in the maintenance of equilibrium when faced with challenges. Reframing techniques also facilitate the problem solving processes; help one in the control and regulation of emotional responses, and in the strengthening of emotional and psychological resilience in distressing situations. Active interpretation reframing helps one to psychologically decouple from distress and negative automatic thoughts, as well as self-defeating thought patterns.