Thinking Through Stress: Cognitive Restructuring

This ready-to-use presentation is crafted specifically for trainers, facilitators, and wellness professionals who want to empower others to manage stress—not by avoiding it, but by transforming the thinking that causes it. Research shows that most stress doesn’t come from external events, but from how we interpret those events. This seminar introduces participants to Cognitive Restructuring—a practical, evidence-based approach to reframing thoughts and reducing stress quickly and effectively.

Using the simple yet powerful ABCs of Stress model (Activating Event → Belief → Consequence), participants will gain a memorable, actionable tool for identifying and interrupting negative thought patterns. They’ll walk away with greater self-awareness and a clear method to take back control of their stress—in real time.

What You Get 

• A professionally designed PowerPoint presentation
• Step-by-step facilitator notes to guide delivery
• Built-in activities, discussion prompts, and real-world examples
• A flexible format that fits lunch-and-learns, workshops, or virtual sessions

Most people blame events and circumstances for their unhappiness never realizing that it's their thoughts about these events and circumstances that is often the true source of their distress. When we say things to ourselves like: I have the world's worst boss, or this traffic jam is going to take forever or I'll never get this assignment done, we don't realize the added burden we're placing on ourselves with our overly negative thinking. Reversing this tendency with a technique called cognitive restructuring helps people short-circuit stressful emotions like anger, frustration and anxiety. To quote a recent article in The New York Times: "The one workplace stress-reduction technique that seems to outperform all other is cognitive restructuring."