Perception-Based Therapy (PBT) Series (Live)

The SWEET Institute proudly presents an insightful and transformative series on Perception-Based Therapy (PBT)—a cutting-edge therapeutic approach that explores how our perceptions shape our emotional and behavioral responses. Rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, PBT empowers individuals to reframe their perceptions, fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and personal growth.

Join us for this dynamic series to explore how shifting perceptions can unlock new possibilities in mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

What is Perception-Based Therapy?

PBT centers on the idea that our experiences do not determine our emotions—our perceptions of those experiences do. By understanding and modifying these perceptions, individuals can achieve greater clarity, emotional balance, and empowerment.

Through practical exercises and guided reflections, participants will learn to identify cognitive distortions, challenge automatic thinking, and develop healthier, more adaptive perspectives.

Venue: Online via Zoom

Hosted by SWEET Institute

1. Perception Shapes Reality
   1. Learn how our unique beliefs and past experiences shape how we interpret events.
   2. Explore the idea that two people can experience the same situation but perceive it differently—and why that matters.
2. Identifying Cognitive Distortions
   1. Recognize and challenge thought patterns such as catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, and overgeneralization.
   2. Gain tools to shift from automatic negative thinking to more balanced, constructive interpretations.
3. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
   1. Cultivate mindfulness to become aware of automatic perceptions and emotional triggers.
   2. Practice observing thoughts and emotions without immediate reaction.
4. Reframing and Perspective-Taking
   1. Master the art of reframing perceptions to open up new possibilities and reduce emotional distress.
   2. Practice perspective-taking to broaden understanding and foster empathy.
5. Emotional Regulation through Perception
   1. Understand how adjusting perceptions can reduce intense emotional reactions like anger, fear, or frustration.
   2. Develop techniques to replace reactive emotions with constructive responses.
6. Building Resilience and Self-Empowerment
   1. Discover how shifting perception fosters resilience and empowers individuals to face challenges with confidence.
   2. Embrace the mindset that circumstances don’t control us—our perceptions do.

1. Key Concept 1: What We Perceive Means Nothing
   1. Explore how the meaning we assign to situations often arises from automatic thinking.
   2. Practice exercises that challenge the belief that events inherently have meaning.
2. Key Concept 2: We Give Meaning to Everything
   1. Examine the role of meaning-making autonomy and how it influences emotional responses.
   2. Engage in exercises that reinforce the realization that meaning is a choice.
3. Key Concept 3: Understanding vs. Assumption
   1. Uncover the illusion of understanding and how past associations shape perceptions.
   2. Practice mind-clearing exercises to cultivate curiosity instead of assumptions.
4. Key Concept 4: Thoughts Do Not Mean Anything
   1. Learn to observe thoughts without attaching meaning to them.
   2. Practice thought-scanning exercises to reduce the power of intrusive or distressing thoughts.
5. Key Concept 5: We Are Never Upset for the Reason We Think
   1. Explore the misconception that external events cause emotional distress.
   2. Engage in exercises to identify the real source of emotional upset.
6. Key Concept 6: We Are Upset About Nothing
   1. Recognize that often, what we are upset about is not grounded in reality but in perception.
   2. Practice exercises to release emotional attachment to perceived threats.