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Conquering Negative Thinking

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The New York Times recently ran an article discussing the origins of, and cures for, negative thinking. We are, the article postulates, “built to over learn from negative experiences… and under learn from positive ones” as an effective way of avoiding saber tooth tigers, and more recently, poisonous plants and wasp nests. Most of this, though, is now maladaptive behavior. One psychologist cautions that merely trying NOT to worry is precisely the wrong approach, saying “worry and obsessions get worse when you try to control your thoughts.” Think Pink Elephants. Now, don’t. They go on to suggest mindfulness and acceptance as effective techniques, and offer another piece of advice: Actively FIND the positive.


For more on Worry, see 


For more on obsessions, see 


To find a CBT Therapist, see http://www.findcbt.org 


To learn more about the therapeutic experience and how you can benefit from it, see



			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
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What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?
			
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of treatment that is based firmly on research findings.  It places emphasis on changing your cognitions (thoughts) or behaviors (actions) in order to effect change in how you feel. These approaches help people in achieving specific changes or goals.


Changes or goals might involve:


A way of acting: like smoking less or being more outgoing;

A way of feeling: like helping a person to be less scared, less depressed, or less anxious;

A way of thinking: like learning to problem-solve or get rid of self-defeating thoughts;

A way of dealing with physical or medical problems: like reducing back pain or helping a person stick to a doctor’s suggestions.


Cognitive behavioral therapists usually focus more on the current situation and its solution, rather than the past. They concentrate on a person’s views and beliefs about their life. CBT is an effective treatment for individuals, parents, children, couples, and families. The goal of CBT is to help people improve and gain more control over their lives by changing behaviors that don’t work well to ones that do.


How to Get Help


If you are looking for help, either for yourself or someone else, you may be tempted to call someone who advertises in a local publication or who comes up from a search of the Internet. You may, or may not, find a competent therapist in this manner. It is wise to check on the credentials of a psychotherapist. It is expected that competent therapists hold advanced academic degrees. They should be listed as members of professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies or the American Psychological Association. Of course, they should be licensed to practice in your state. You can find competent specialists who are affiliated with local universities or mental health facilities or who are listed on the websites of professional organizations. You may, of course, visit our website (www.abct.org) and click on “Find a CBT Therapist”


The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) is an interdisciplinary organization committed to the advancement of a scientific approach to the understanding and amelioration of problems of the human condition. These aims are achieved through the investigation and application of behavioral, cognitive, and other evidence-based principles to assessment, prevention, and treatment.