Posted by SLS on July 15, 2006, at 11:50:17 [reposted on July 15, 2006, at 13:30:48 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Can't Get Over It, posted by cecilia on July 15, 2006, at 9:36:43
> My self esteem is non existent.
That was the impression I was left with from the first post along this thread.
> Reading the CBT books just makes me mad...
OK. I guess that's one path to be less travelled.
:-)
> I hate David Burns and his smug "guaranteed to work" claims. He makes me think of a TV evangelicist.
I hate that sort of self-promotion. It makes me think that it's not really good enough to sell itself on its own merits. Why does it have to be sold at all?
> Believe what I believe and you will be saved (from depression). Choose not to believe, well it's your fault you're depressed.
Perhaps it has not been made clear to you exactly what CBT can and cannot do. You may have had unrealistic expectations of what CBT could do for you. Perhaps the books exaggerate the effectiveness and generalizability of the CBT approach to treating mental illness. I haven't read any of the popular CBT books. CBT is a powerful tool for accomplishing some things in some peope, but not for others.
CBT is not a good match for everone. Burns is not a good match for everyone. How about forgetting Burns and his entire program along with the homework and keeping the CBT concept? Just recognize:
1. Automatic thoughts
2. Cognitive distortions
3. Core beliefsThat's all you need to know. You really don't have to "do" anything. Just a thought. It might not work for you. Keep the best and throw out the rest. Use the insight into how the mind works to figure out your own strategies as to how to best attack your inefficiencies.
> Doesn't matter whether it's true
For me, it really does matter whether it's true. If I don't believe it, the whole thing doesn't work.
> all you've got to do is BELIEVE (and do your homework). Write down the "rational" thoughts you don't believe 500 times until you're willing to admit you believe them.
For me, CBT works because logic works. The approach I take doesn't utilize such repetitive pounding of thoughts. Such forceful use of rote has never worked to change my belief system. Logic has worked. I think it is important to be kind and merciful with yourself throughout any recovery process. However, there are times when I treat myself in an Albert Ellis sort of way. I sometimes need a good kick in the *ss.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:667290
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060703/msgs/667298.html