In-Congress Workshop 16 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy of Repetitive Negative Thinking

Background
Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) represents a transdiagnostic process central to mood and anxiety disorders.
First section explores the fundamental nature of RNT and its distinction from adaptive reflection. We examine how reflective thinking—a uniquely human capacity—becomes maladaptive when it transforms into perseverative, uncontrollable patterns. The workshop distinguishes between rumination (past-focused, characterized by "why" questions), worry (future-focused, characterized by "what if" scenarios), and self-criticism (flaw-focused). Participants will learn to identify key phenomenological features including temporal focus, emotional correlates, and functional characteristics. We present validated assessment tools as well.
We review foundational theoretical framework ( E.g., Response Styles Theory, Metacognitive Model) The workshop introduces the Tridimensional CBT Model as an integrative framework that synthesizes these approaches within cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. This model demonstrates how environmental triggers activate threat monitoring, generating negative thoughts that fuel RNT cycles and maintain dysfunctional behaviors. We explore maintenance mechanisms including intolerance of uncertainty, thought-action fusion, perfectionism, and metacognitive processes, providing a comprehensive formulation approach.
Techniques
Evidence-based interventions target multiple levels of the RNT cycle. Core strategies include: establishing shared perception through psychoeducation, challenging the functionality of RNT versus productive reflection, empowering problem-solving skills, and addressing metacognitive beliefs. We demonstrate cognitive distancing techniques, defusion strategies, and detached mindfulness approaches. Practical methods include using metaphors (choking thought chain, VAR system, skid) to help clients recognize and interrupt RNT patterns. The workshop emphasizes distinguishing concrete problem-solving from abstract rumination, promoting acceptance of uncertainty, and shifting from emotion-focused to problem-solving orientations.