Every year, the cultural zeitgeist latches onto a new psychological buzzword. Five years ago, 'boundaries' were in vogue. Three years ago, 'gaslighting' was word of the year (no, actually). Now, from the depths of the collective psyche, ‘cognitive dissonance’ is back. In an increasingly polarised world, it's wielded as a weapon to explain why 'the other side' just doesn't get it, and sometimes as a sly way to prop up our own perspective as too nuanced… Throwing in a psychological term mid-argument has a certain je ne sais quoi, I guess. In this climate, I felt compelled to create this workbook. When it comes to contradictions in our core beliefs, the struggle is real.

This workbook invites you to explore cognitive dissonance and the various ways we respond when our beliefs are challenged. Together, we'll explore how prediction, safety, and belief shape our experience, and examine the neuroscience underpinning cognitive dissonance. Along the way, we'll examine why authentic acceptance can be so challenging, and how privilege can influence our responses. Towards the end, you'll find practical tools for staying grounded during times of cognitive dissonance. You'll also find questions throughout designed to prompt reflection on your experience.