Episode Details

Today, Rhonda and David discuss ten great questions submitted by podcast fans like you!

1. I can't find any distortions in my thoughts! What's the cause of this?
2. Crushing Negative Thoughts. Do you have to write them down? Can't you just do them in your head?
3. PTSD Question: Does the trauma have to be life-threatening and experienced in person/
4. How can I get over anxiety and panic?
5. Do demons cause depression?
6. How is Sara now? Is anger just "ossified tears?"
7. How do you explain the basic concepts of CBT and cognitive distortions to patients who are not familiar with your work?
8. Can I help myself as much as Rameesh did?
9. How can I start a self-help group based on your book, Ten Days to Self-Esteem?
10. How can I find my favorite podcast?

1. I can't find any distortions in my thoughts! What's the cause of this?

A new comment on the post "001: Introduction to the TEAM Model" is waiting for your approval https://feelinggood.com/2016/10/27/001-introduction-to-the-team-model/

Hi Dr. Burns,

I just ordered your book and am writing my cognitive distortions daily. I ran into one I did not know how to label it.

I am a 73-year-old, attractive woman, When I see a young beautiful woman having a great time, say in an ad, I feel angry, sad and jealous. This does not apply to family members only strangers.

charlotte

2. Crushing Negative Thoughts. Do you have to write them down? Can't you just do them in your head?

A new comment on the post "190: How to Crush Negative Thoughts: Overgeneralization" is waiting for your approval https://feelinggood.com/2020/05/11/190-how-to-crush-negative-thoughts-overgeneralization/

Dr. Burns,

Why is writing the negative thought down important? Can't I just pinpoint it in my head and simply switch the negative thought to positive one?

I know it will not work but i am not able to convince others or myself why I have to write them down. Why is the writing process so important?

After practicing for a while will you have the habit of think positively? I am wondering why some people have this way of positive thinking without even practicing?

Toni

3. PTSD Question: Does the trauma have to be life-threatening and experienced in person/

A new comment on the post "147: High-Speed Treatment of PTSD?" is waiting for your approval https://feelinggood.com/2019/07/01/147-high-speed-treatment-of-ptsd/

Hi David,

I am a fan of your great work and contribution to psychology.

I have a question about PTSD: does it necessarily have to be life-threatening in person or can it be caused for example by a threat via online message?

Thank you!

MB

Thanks, MB, great question.

Only your thoughts can upset you, not the actual trauma, so the answer is yes. Anything that is profoundly upsetting is profoundly upsetting, period! There is no objective way to measure the impact of any trauma other than via your own thoughts and feelings! This is so important, and yet most of the world, including those who have written the DSM-5 (and all earlier editions) / don't yet "get it." The DSM states that for a diagnosis of PTSD, you have to have some trauma that is "objectively horrific." But there is no such thing!

david

4. How can I get over anxiety and panic?

Debby asked a question about podcast

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