Core Beliefs
What are “core beliefs”?
In a recent blog about Naming Our Values, I mentioned core beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us that may form the rationale for some of our values.
Core beliefs are the assumptions we hold in these areas. Here are some examples of common negative core beliefs.
About ourselves:
“I am a bad person.”
“I am worthless.”
“I am flawed.”
“I am not good enough.”
About others:
“People can’t be trusted.”
“No one cares about me.”
“I can’t rely on anyone.”
“People will hurt me.”
About the world:
“Nothing ever changes.”
“The world is dangerous.”
“Nothing ever goes right.”
“Life has no purpose.”
Of course, there are many other common core beliefs, but these give us an idea of several that cause many people to struggle. When I work with clients, I first help them uncover these beliefs that may be underlying their automatic thoughts, feelings, and actions. Once we uncover a core belief, we work together to find where it might come up in their life. Sometimes in this process we can identify the source of the belief.
When we recognize a core belief, we can then do the work to question it. We can reframe situations to gain new perspectives and evidence on how true the belief could be. Often this allows us to develop a more balanced belief. It can also shed light on existing problems and how the negative core belief impacts the existence of problems, including the existence of other related core beliefs.
Exploring other explanations for our views of ourselves, others, and the world helps to open our mind to possibilities. Most often, negative core beliefs do not adjust themselves overnight, but with time and a trusted therapist, we can see them evolve into more balanced or even positive core beliefs. When we hold balanced or positive core beliefs, we are empowered to feel and act differently than in the past. The process requires self-reflection and willingness to look at new points of view, but it can bring about awesome change!
To explore more about core beliefs, check out Core Beliefs: What They are and How to Identify Them on Medical News Today. Talk with your therapist about your core beliefs if you are curious; you may be ready to name them and connect them to changes you seek to make.
