Within CBT there is the concept of “cognitive distortions,” which are incorrect or distorted ways of thinking that affect emotions and behavior. Cognitive distortions are erroneous or distorted ways of thinking that which can distort our perception of ourselves, other people and the world in general. These distortions can influence our emotions and behavior, and can also cause or maintain mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress. One manifestation of these distortions is labeling. Labeling is the practice of classifying and evaluating people based on certain characteristics. behavior or preferences. Instead of seeing people as unique and diverse, we tend to resort to using labels to more easily categorize them. How does this work? Firstly, this happens due to mental laziness and the desire to simplify the world. It is difficult to interpret each person in all their complexity and diversity of aspects of life, so we turn to general labels to quickly find our bearings. Secondly, labeling can be the result of stereotypes instilled in us by society. We attribute certain characteristics or behaviors to people based on their appearance, gender, age, profession, and so on, regardless of their actual qualities or interests. Labeling can be dangerous because it limits our ability to understand and interact with other people. It creates prejudices, distorts our perceptions and prevents us from seeing the true essence of a person. How can we wean ourselves from labeling? Here are some strategies: 1. Be Aware The most important thing is to understand and acknowledge the fact that labeling is harmful. Think about the consequences it may have for you and for other people. Set a goal to be more open and tolerant in your thoughts and assessments.2. Explore Prejudice You may discover that you have internal biases and stereotypes that influence your judgment of other people. Try to actively explore these biases and ask yourself whether they are based on actual facts or just your perception.3. Be Curious and RespectfulInstead of holding on to your preconceptions, be open to new things and be genuinely interested in other people. Ask questions, listen to their stories, try to understand their motives and views. You'll be surprised how much you can learn about a person if you really try.4. Practice empathy Try to put yourself in other people's shoes and understand what it is like for them to be judged by labels. Learn about their experiences by understanding what challenges or advantages they face in their lives. This will help you develop your empathy and respect for the diversity of people.5. Explore and expand your knowledgeLearn about different cultures, traditions and customs. Learn about different points of view and worldviews to better understand the diversity of human experience. The more knowledge you gain, the less room there is for labeling.6. Avoid Generalizations Avoid making generalizations about people based on a small amount of information about them. Remember that each person is unique and labels cannot fully capture their individuality.7. Practice Positive ThinkingInstead of focusing on other people's faults and shortcomings, try to see their positive aspects and qualities. Recognize their achievements and encourage them in their efforts.8. Be prepared for change A person and his interests can change over time. Approach people with openness and understanding, recognizing that opinions and views may evolve. Give them the opportunity to grow and change, just like you. Labeling is a habit we can overcome. By acknowledging our own biases and striving for greater empathy and tolerance, we can create a more respectful and harmonious public environment where 89191545134