TheTherapies
thetherapies.vercel.appMy Patterns: A Teen Guide to CAT
A teen-friendly introduction to CAT concepts including reciprocal roles and procedural patterns, using accessible examples.
CAT is about understanding the patterns in how we think, feel, and relate to others. These patterns often started when we were young but can cause problems now.
Why do patterns develop?
When we're growing up, we develop ways of coping with difficult stuff. These coping strategies make total sense at the time. But sometimes we keep using them even when they don't help anymore — like they're stuck on repeat.
Reciprocal Roles
These are the relationship patterns we learned early on. Like, if you had a parent who was super critical, you might: • Be hard on yourself • Expect others to criticise you • Become critical of others • Or all of the above