Why It Works

Why Brain Bugs helps people overcome cognitive distortions.

Brain Bugs relies on a technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is founded on the idea that our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our behaviors. Therefore, if we can change our thoughts, we can change our feelings and behaviors.
Example 1
Thought
I always mess up presentations. I'm terrible at public speaking.
Feeling
Anxious and insecure.
Behavior
Avoiding speaking opportunities and feeling stressed during presentations.
Example 2
Thought
I'm sure my girlfiend is going to dump me. I'm not good enough for her.
Feeling
Paranoid and sad.
Behavior
Clingy and constantly seeking reassurance.
Example 3
Thought
I can't believe I said that. Everyone must think I'm stupid.
Feeling
Embarrassed and regretful.
Behavior
Ruminating on the incident and avoiding social interactions.
In these examples, the initial thought is a type of cognitive distortion we call a brain bug. A bug represents a glitch in how something is suppose to operate. These brain bugs are often automatic, subconscious, and can be difficult to identify. However when we are able to label them, we can challenge them. In the above examples, each thought is coming from a different brain bug.
The Overgeneralizing brain bug says
I always mess up presentations. I'm terrible at public speaking.
The Fortune Telling brain bug says
I'm sure my girlfiend is going to dump me. I'm not good enough for her.
The Mind Reading brain bug says
I can't believe I said that. Everyone must think I'm stupid.
Once exposed for being a bug, we can begin to challenge and replace these thoughts. While the Brain Bugs game focuses solely on identifying the bug, players who recognize a specific bug in their own minds should work to challenge and replace it with a more realistic thought which then leads to more optimal feelings and behaviors. The previous examples then could be replaced with the following:
Example 1
Thought
Every presentation is a chance to improve. I'm working on becoming better at public speaking.
Feeling
Motivated and hopeful.
Behavior
Actively seeking opportunities to speak and practicing presentations to build confidence.
Example 2
Thought
Relationships have ups and downs. I am valueble because God made me and I can contribute positively to this relationship.
Feeling
Secure and valued.
Behavior
Building trust through open communication and respecting personal boundaries.
Example 3
Thought
Everyone makes mistakes in conversation. I can learn from this experience and move forward.
Feeling
Accepting and resilient.
Behavior
Reflecting on the incident constructively and continuing to engage in social interactions without overthinking.
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