Which words are typically associated with detecting irrational beliefs?

The words associated with detecting irrational beliefs often include those that imply absoluteness or pressure, such as "ought," "should," "must," and "always." These types of words indicate a rigid way of thinking and often reflect a form of cognitive distortion, where individuals may hold unreasonable expectations about themselves or others.

Using these terms typically points to a black-and-white view that can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. For example, a person might believe, "I must always be perfect," which is an unrealistic standard. This thinking can create stress and anxiety, making it essential to identify these words as indicators of irrational beliefs during counseling.

In contrast, the other options contain words that are more conditional or uncertain, such as "could," "might," "maybe," and "sometimes," which generally do not convey the same level of rigidity or pressure. Recognizing the difference helps counselors support clients in unlearning harmful thought patterns and replacing them with more flexible and rational beliefs.