The Filter is an excellent way to illustrate the phenomenon of cognitive distortions in an individual, to refocus the person, and to encourage that person to become more self-aware. The objective of this intervention model is to get the person concerned to understand:
•the cognitive distortions we see in that person
•the way these distortions prevent the person from truly seeing reality
•the impact that these cognitive distortions are having on the persons life
Although the Filter may be of interest to a wider audience, it was initially designed to help psychosocial workers. As it is a different type of visual tool that is quite simple to use, it may have a positive impact and encourage the process of change.
The Reality Filter was very successful when it was initially published in French in paper form. It is now available in both French and English and new themes will be offered at a later date. The next ones will deal with helping children and teens.
Cognitive distortions are ways of processing information or reality, often in the form of automatic thoughts. They are often considered to be thinking shortcuts that rely on intuition rather than logical reasoning. They are wrong beliefs, sometimes thought to be defense mechanisms, that enable individuals to protect themselves. In effect, they are thoughts that "filter" information.