Positive thinking: Stopping unwanted thoughts

What is thought-stopping?

Thought-stopping is a way to get rid of unwanted thoughts. You may dwell or obsess on thoughts that make you worry, feel sad, or feel bad about yourself. Research shows that thought-stopping works. It can change the way you think. In thought-stopping, you focus on the unwanted thought and then use a technique to stop it.

When you practice thought-stopping, the unwanted thought occurs less often. Over time, the thought will be easier to ignore or may not occur at all. In some cases, the thoughts may be worries. For example, you may worry a lot about your health or the health of a family member. Or you may think over and over about a bad grade in school or a comment by a supervisor at work. Thought-stopping can help you deal with these thoughts.

You can work on thought-stopping on your own or with a counselor or therapist.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Thought-stopping can help you to not worry so much.

1. True
2. False

2. You need to see a counselor or a therapist to practice thought-stopping.

1. True
2. False

Continue to Why should you learn thought-stopping?
Return to Positive thinking: Stopping unwanted thoughts

Author:	Marianne Flagg	Last Updated: August 27, 2008
Medical Review:	Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.