PTR

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

By

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is currently the most common type of mental health counseling.  One of its goals is to make people more aware of their thoughts and then help them examine their thinking for accuracy and effectiveness.  In short, are the thoughts true and helpful?  

While CBT training was developed for clinical psychologists beginning in the 1960’s the principles behind it are certainly not new.  In fact, William James (1842-1910), one of the fathers of modern psychology, said “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”  And centuries before that another William (Shakespeare) wrote “there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

Unfortunately, we seldom slow down enough to examine our thinking.  People tend to accept their thoughts, opinions, and judgments as “the gospel truth” and then cling to them “through thick and thin.”  

But remember, at one point we all believed in Santa Claus but most of us decided to change this point of view.  That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Christmas, it just means we’re able to think about it a little differently.

Tantrums/Meltdowns

By

Children use acting out to substitute for skill deficits.  They act out when they don’t see any other way to solve problems or gain power, or both!  And when they learn that their acting out works…the bigger the problem, the bigger the tantrum. 

For these reasons parents should never reinforce bad behavior by giving in.  But, at the same time, they must work to “teach” their child a better way to deal with frustrations.  

Life is nothing more than a succession of problems.  That’s why problem solving skills are among the most important things a person can possess.  

When we teach our children good problem solving skills we are giving them the tools to transform their lives.

 

Closing the Show

By

Every Broadway show will eventually close.  There were over 7000 performances of “Cats” but even this theatrical tour de force ended after it’s producers felt it was no longer pertinent or popular.  

All of us have long running shows in our minds.  They may be “Mom never loved me” or “I’m not smart/strong/good-looking enough.”  These are the shows that often play for many years after they’re no longer relevant.  Their time has passed so we need to “close them down.”  

If a show only has one audience member it must not be that good.  Don’t be the last person to attend.  Learn when to close the show and move on with your life.