REFRAMING -- A NECESSARY TOOL
Reframing is a psychological concept that involves changing the way an individual perceives, interprets, or thinks about a situation, event, or experience. It is a cognitive restructuring technique aimed at altering the meaning or context of a particular situation to bring about a shift in one's perspective. This therapeutic approach is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is one of the most respected modalities in the field of psychology. The concept of reframing has roots in various psychological and therapeutic approaches. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, two well-respected psychologists, are attributed as the thought leaders behind the concept of reframing. They emphasized the role of thoughts and perceptions in influencing emotions and behavior and moving away from a maladaptive thought pattern that usually leaves us in negative thought spaces.
The idea behind reframing is that the way we interpret events or situations can significantly impact our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. By reframing, individuals can change their mental perception, leading to a more positive or constructive outlook.
Therefore, when using the concept of reframing, we can get a better handle on negative thoughts and steer our emotions for a better outcome.
There are several types of reframing, including:
1. Contextual Reframing: Changing the context or setting in which an event is viewed can alter its meaning.
2. Content Reframing: Changing the way information is presented or emphasizing different aspects of a situation can lead to a shift in perception.
3. Relevance Reframing: Identifying different ways in which a situation might be relevant or meaningful can provide a new perspective.
4. Outcome Reframing: Shifting the focus from potential negative outcomes to potential positive outcomes.
Life can be difficult and sometimes there is no other answer, but to look at the situation differently. When I think of reframing, I think of taking a beautiful piece of art and changing the frame. When the frame is changed, one gets a different perspective. Certain colors might be illuminated, while other colors might blend in. There might be a contrasting aspect of the frame standing out in a room. One thing is true, the frame changes the appearance of a beautiful piece of art.
How do we adjust, adapt, or deal with unwanted, negative, hurtful information? Reframing will help us move through the pain to a healthier outcome. Think of it this way, the art will stay the same, but a new frame might help us to see where it can be located differently on the wall. That bad event will still be a bad event, but if we reframe the event by taking opportunities for personal growth or by bringing the family closer together, reframing what was once viewed as a negative event will turn into a positive event.
We know that life can be awfully beautiful. There are ups and downs, ease and struggle, pain and pleasure, and joy and sorrow. But at the very end, it’s the same piece of beautiful art (life!) and all it needs is a different frame from time to time to see it differently and to move through the difficulty. Use all the tools you need to change the frame – your imagination, good self-care, wonderful support, your spiritual connection, people who love you, and most of all hope. Hope for the journey ahead that will require every resource you have.
Beck, A.T (1988) Love is Enough. New York: Harper & Row
The work of Dr. Albert Ellis. http://www.rebtnetwork.org/library/ideas.html
