Susan W. White
Abstract This chapter introduces the concept of cognitive flexibility, guiding clients to identify rigid or unhelpful thinking patterns and reframe them to support goal-directed actions. It begins by reviewing previous exercises and encouraging reflection on progress and social interaction experiences. The chapter highlights how thoughts shape emotions and behaviors, helping clients identify cognitive distortions and understand their impact through worksheets and practical examples. Clients then learn and practice cognitive reappraisal—reframing interpretations of situations to regulate emotions, improve reasoning, and align actions with personal values and goals. Finally, the chapter assigns a practical exercise in applying reappraisal to real-life scenarios and planning a new activity to strengthen flexibility and advance individual goals.