Session 2: Automatic Thinking and Schemas Explained (45 Minutes)

Terri discussed automatic thinking and how it shapes our perceptions and behaviors. She explained that our brains are wired to quickly assess situations and make judgments based on past experiences stored in mental structures called schemas. These schemas help us relate new experiences to existing knowledge, guiding us through our daily lives. However, Terri pointed out that automatic thinking can also be influenced by priming, which means that recent experiences or thoughts can affect our judgments. Shee emphasized the significance of utilizing the prefrontal cortex for effective problem-solving and decision-making, noting that trauma can disrupt this cognitive process. Terri concluded by underscoring how schemas influence our beliefs about ourselves and the world, highlighting that both our experiences and emotions can reshape these mental frameworks.

Next Steps

1. Listeners to practice identifying when they are using automatic thinking versus controlled thinking in daily situations.

2. Listeners to analyze their news consumption habits and intentionally expose themselves to diverse viewpoints.

3. Listeners to pay attention to their physical and emotional reactions when encountering opposing viewpoints.

4. Listeners to reflect on times when overconfidence or bias may have caused them problems.

5. Listeners to practice admitting when they are wrong and being open to differing opinions. 6. Listeners to critically evaluate information from social media and news sources before accepting it as fact.

7. Listeners to prepare for next week's discussion on setting healthy boundaries.