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In this episode of Lumen, hosts Christopher Mooney, LCSW and Kenyon Phillips, LMSW unpack the runaway train of negative thinking—how a single mistake can spiral into shame, catastrophizing, and the feeling that you’re about to get fired from life. Drawing from everyday moments, clinical work, and a surprisingly accurate all-you-can-eat buffet metaphor, Christopher and Kenyon explore common unhelpful thinking styles like catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking, fortune telling, and permissive thinking. In the process, they discuss why the brain is wired to scan for danger, how these patterns once helped us survive, and what happens when they get taken too far. The episode also proposes practical ways to challenge negative thinking, such as approaching obligations from a place of gratitude, possibility, and privilege. With humor, honesty, and zero jargon, this conversation invites you to notice your own negativity buffet—and gently question whether you really need to load your plate the way you always have.

To book a free consultation with Christopher, Kenyon, or the other providers at Lumen Therapy Collective, visit lumentherapycollective.com.

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Lumen is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services or a trusted mental health professional.