Which term describes the cognitive distortion where an individual sees things in black and white or all-or-nothing?

The term that describes the cognitive distortion of perceiving things in black and white or all-or-nothing is indeed "All-or-Nothing Thinking." This cognitive distortion involves viewing situations in extreme terms, such as believing that if something is not perfect, it is a complete failure, or seeing oneself as entirely good or entirely bad. This type of thinking can lead to intense emotional responses and impair decision-making because it does not allow for the nuanced views that often exist in reality.

For example, a person might think, "If I didn't get an A on this test, I'm a total failure," failing to recognize the complexity of their performance or circumstances. This pattern of thinking can skew one's perspective, making it difficult to appreciate the middle ground or shades of gray that often characterize real-life situations. Understanding this distortion is crucial in the context of therapy and counseling, particularly for those working with individuals who may be struggling with substance use or anxiety, as it enables counselors to help clients develop more balanced and realistic thought patterns.