Deterrents to negative thinking errors are the primary and practical way a changing criminal thinker can alter their thoughts to affect their behavior. This group facilitation tip focuses on examining the five thinking deterrents in real life situations for group participants.
1. Pick a thinking error to review.
2. Read the corresponding article for the error in the CT Module.
- Have group members read one paragraph each
- Ask the reader to define any potentially confusing words or concepts and the facilitator should help clarify understanding as needed.
3. Ask each reader to give an example of how they have used the thinking error recently.
4. Review the five thinking deterrents with the group.
5. Ask the first reader which deterrent they used or could have used to change their thinking in the example they described. Repeat this step with each reader.
OPTIONAL: Assign the related thinking error worksheet as a homework or in-class assignment.