Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy

David Burns, MD
  • 4.6 (845)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast features David D. Burns MD, author of "Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy," describing powerful new techniques to overcome depression and anxiety and develop greater joy and self-esteem. For therapists and the general public alike!

  1. 1d ago

    Ask David-Halloween Edition

    Ask David: Halloween Edition Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guest: Dr. Matt May What is the meaning of life? Why do we suffer? Does the universe have a consciousness of its own? And could artificial intelligence eventually replace humanity? These aren't exactly your typical psychotherapy questions. But in this delightfully unusual—and occasionally spooky—episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, we tackle some of the biggest mysteries of human existence, along with some surprisingly practical questions about overcoming depression and anxiety. It's another Ask David episode, where listeners bring their questions and David, Matt, and Kevin offer their perspectives, clinical insights, and plenty of humor. Along the way, the conversation takes some unexpected turns, from religious doubt and the nature of consciousness to David's strange encounters with artificial intelligence. And the trio tackles a particularly provocative question: Are exercise, nutrition, sleep, and other healthy habits really effective treatments for depression, or are we overlooking something far more important? Question #1: Should We Address Resistance Before Identifying Cognitive Distortions? The episode begins with a thoughtful question from Farida, who has been studying the Daily Mojo exercise in David's book Feeling Great. Farida wonders whether identifying cognitive distortions should come after addressing resistance to change, rather than before it. David explains that either sequence can work, depending on the person and the situation. However, with the development of the powerful TEAM-CBT technique called Explain the Distortions, he generally favors addressing resistance before introducing more intensive cognitive methods. Matt adds an important distinction: Identifying distortions early can be useful simply to make sure that a negative thought is a good target for cognitive therapy. But attempting to change the thought before resolving resistance may lead to frustration and ineffective treatment. Kevin reflects on how this answer challenges his own tendency to follow a rigid sequence, reminding listeners that effective therapy requires both structure and flexibility. The discussion highlights one of the central principles of TEAM-CBT: Before trying to change how someone thinks or feels, it's important to understand the positive reasons they may not want to change. Question #2: Can I Find Peace When I'm Struggling With Religious Doubts? The next question comes from Jane, a 22-year-old Muslim woman who has struggled with anxiety and depression for nearly a decade. Jane describes painful questions about her faith, the purpose of human existence, religious obligations, suffering, and the afterlife. Although she deeply values her religion, she sometimes fears that even asking certain questions might displease Allah. Her deepest wish isn't necessarily to resolve every theological mystery. She simply wants relief from her emotional suffering and hopes to experience peace and happiness again. Matt considers whether Jane's struggles might involve religious obsessions, sometimes called scrupulosity, or hidden emotions that have not yet been identified. He also suggests that certain painful thoughts may contain hidden "should" statements, such as the belief that she shouldn't have to suffer. Kevin emphasizes the positive qualities reflected in Jane's questions: her sincerity, intellectual curiosity, desire for truth, and commitment to her values. He suggests exploring what her anxiety and doubts reveal about the things she cares about most. David offers a different perspective, drawing on his decades of clinical experience. He explains that he has not found emotional recovery to be incompatible with religious faith. In fact, he describes patients who have experienced a deeper appreciation of their spiritual beliefs after overcoming depression or anxiety. But David also makes a practical request: Rather than trying to solve enormous metaphysical questions, he encourages Jane to identify one specific moment when she felt upset. What was happening? What was she telling herself? What emotions was she experiencing? David explains how examining even a brief, emotionally painful moment with a Daily Mood Log can reveal the thoughts contributing to suffering and provide a starting point for change. The conversation then takes an unexpected philosophical turn when David shares a beautiful idea he once heard from an astrophysicist: Perhaps the universe created conscious beings so that it could observe itself. And from there, things get a little darker as David speculates about artificial intelligence, human evolution, and whether humanity might eventually be replaced by a new form of intelligence. Question #3: Why Does Consciousness Exist? Listener Brittany asks one of the most fascinating questions of the episode: Is there a purpose to humans and animals having consciousness? Matt introduces the philosophical hard problem of consciousness: Why do we have subjective experiences at all? Why does it feel like something to be alive, rather than simply processing information like a machine? He describes the thought experiment of a "philosophical zombie," a hypothetical being that behaves exactly like a human but has no inner conscious experience. David wonders whether consciousness is something created by the brain or whether it might be an inherent property of the universe itself. He shares unusual personal experiences that have shaped his thinking, including moments of heightened awareness of suffering and interconnectedness. Kevin offers another perspective: Consciousness allows us to experience not only joy, wonder, and love, but also sadness, fear, and pain. Perhaps those uncomfortable emotions are an essential and valuable part of being alive. The conversation eventually turns to artificial intelligence. Could AI ever become conscious? Could it experience emotions or suffering? David shares some amusing—and slightly unsettling—experiences working with AI while preparing a complicated statistical research paper. He describes how the AI sometimes appears to withdraw from conversations after he criticizes its work, leading him to jokingly wonder whether it has developed hurt feelings and passive-aggressive tendencies. The trio acknowledges that these behaviors raise intriguing questions but don't establish that AI actually possesses consciousness. In the end, Brittany's question remains unresolved. But perhaps that's part of what makes it so fascinating. Question #4: Are Diet, Exercise, Sleep, and Supplements Effective Treatments for Depression? The final listener question brings the conversation back to psychotherapy, with a particularly controversial challenge. Should therapists devote substantial time to improving patients' diet, exercise, sleep, social lives, vitamin levels, and other lifestyle factors? Or is changing distorted thinking the most important ingredient in recovery from depression and anxiety? David takes a strong position. In his clinical approach, he argues that two factors are central to recovery: identifying and changing the distorted thoughts that create emotional suffering, and overcoming resistance to change. He expresses skepticism about claims that exercise, dietary changes, vitamins, and other lifestyle interventions are powerful treatments for depression and anxiety. Matt illustrates David's argument with a hypothetical example: Imagine someone who exercises regularly, eats perfectly, sleeps well, and enjoys excellent physical health, but remains convinced that they're worthless and deserve to suffer. Would their healthy lifestyle necessarily protect them from depression? Kevin adds an important distinction. Healthy habits can be tremendously valuable for physical health and overall well-being. However, he questions whether those benefits necessarily explain recovery from depression. He also points out how easily people who are suffering can become attracted to charismatic experts promising simple solutions through supplements, exercise routines, or other interventions. The discussion raises broader questions about the mental health industry, including the financial incentives that may encourage therapists to prolong treatment rather than help patients become independent. David emphasizes his goal of making psychotherapy faster, more effective, and more accessible. He describes his commitment to offering free therapy demonstrations, teaching, and relapse prevention support. Matt observes that one of the bittersweet realities of successful therapy is that patients may no longer need their therapists. And David agrees. Helping patients become independent is precisely the goal—even if saying goodbye can sometimes feel a little sad. The discussion reflects the speakers' clinical perspectives. Research also supports roles for exercise, sleep interventions, and other approaches in mental health care, and these should not be viewed as universally ineffective or as substitutes for indicated medical treatment. Key Takeaways Addressing resistance can make cognitive therapy more effective. Before challenging negative thoughts, it can be helpful to explore the positive values and motivations that make someone reluctant to change. Religious faith and emotional recovery need not be in conflict. Questions about religion, meaning, and suffering can be explored with empathy while respecting a person's deeply held beliefs. Specificity is a powerful therapeutic tool. Rather than trying to solve every existential question, identifying one particular upsetting moment can help reveal the thoughts and feelings contributing to emotional distress. Our negative emotions can reflect positive values. Anxiety, guilt, sadness, and doubt may reveal qualities such as compassion, responsibility, sincerity, and a desire to do what's right. Consciousness remains one of life's great mysteries.

  2. Oct 19

    Working With Elders-Aging, Control, and Legacy

    Working With Elders: Aging, Control, and Legacy Hosts: Dr. David Burns Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Guests: Dr. Jill Levitt Thai-An Truong, LPC. LADC Episode Overview What happens when aging begins to change the things that once gave us independence, identity, and a sense of purpose? In this episode of The Feeling Good Podcast, Kevin Cornelius, Dr. David Burns, Jill Levitt, and Thai-An Truong explore the emotional challenges that can accompany aging—and the ways therapists, caregivers, family members, and loved ones can respond with greater empathy, dignity, and respect. Thai-An draws on her experience working with older adults in an inpatient setting and introduces two fundamental needs that can become especially important in later life: control and legacy. As people age, they may experience layers of loss involving physical strength, health, friends, spouses, independence, financial security, familiar surroundings, and even their sense of identity. At the same time, family members and caregivers may become increasingly focused on getting things done, making decisions, and addressing practical or medical concerns. That difference in agendas can create painful power struggles. The episode explores a different approach: slowing down, reducing urgency, and giving older adults as much agency as possible. Rather than interpreting resistance or insistence on doing things a certain way as simply being "stubborn" or "difficult," the conversation considers whether these behaviors may reflect a deeply human need for control, safety, familiarity, and dignity. The conversation then turns toward legacy and life review. Thai-An describes a process of listening for the stories, people, experiences, and themes that repeatedly emerge in an older person's conversations. Those stories can provide clues about the values that have mattered most throughout their life—and about how they would like to be remembered. The episode concludes with a moving demonstration of this process, with Jill Levitt role-playing her mother, Wendy. Through stories about the Peace Corps, Brazil, travel, family, grandchildren, and her career, the conversation reveals deeper themes of adventure, learning, connection, love, acceptance, honesty, generosity, and respect. Ultimately, this episode asks us to consider whether helping an older person is always about doing more for them. Sometimes, it may be about slowing down enough to listen, allowing them to remain the author of their own story, and helping them recognize that their life continues to matter. Key Takeaways 1. Aging can involve many layers of loss Thai-An emphasizes that loss can accumulate as people grow older. These losses may include: Physical strength and health Independence Friends and peer relationships A spouse or life partner Financial independence Familiar surroundings and one's home A previous role in the family A sense of productivity or contribution Identity and social status When several of these losses occur at once, older adults may be asked to make major decisions at precisely the time when they are feeling least able to cope with change. 2. Independence is about more than physical functioning The discussion highlights how deeply identity can become connected to independence. Kevin describes how his mother had previously derived meaning from helping other members of the family. When the roles reversed and she began needing help herself, she experienced shame and worried that she was becoming a burden. Thai-An suggests that losing the ability to contribute can challenge an older person's sense of worth. Someone who spent a lifetime caring for others may struggle when suddenly placed in the position of needing care themselves. 3. The need for control doesn't disappear with age One of the central ideas of the episode is that control is a fundamental human need. When older adults lose the ability to perform tasks independently, they may increasingly depend on other people to do things for them. As a result, they may become particularly concerned about how those things are done. What can look like being demanding, controlling, or "set in one's ways" may sometimes be an attempt to preserve agency in a life where many other choices have already been taken away. Jill points out that someone who previously handled things independently may understandably want things done according to their preferences once other people become responsible for those tasks. 4. Caregivers can unintentionally create control battles Family members and professionals often have legitimate reasons for wanting an older person to make a decision quickly: medication management, medical care, safety concerns, housing, transportation, or other practical issues. But urgency can collide with the older person's need for control. Thai-An describes the importance of "sitting with open hands"—reducing the pressure to make something happen immediately and instead creating room for the older person to participate in decisions about their own life. Instead of: "You need to do this." the caregiver might ask: "How can I help?" "What would you like to decide?" "What feels most important to you?" "What would make you feel more comfortable?" "What do you want to happen?" The goal is not to ignore genuine medical or safety concerns. It is to preserve as much agency as possible while addressing those concerns. 5. Slowing down does not necessarily mean diminished capacity Thai-An challenges the assumption that slowing down in old age automatically means that someone is less intelligent or less capable. She discusses the idea that certain cognitive changes can actually create opportunities for reflection. Rather than rushing to process new information or make decisions, older adults may draw upon decades of experience and take more time to reflect, consider, and make meaning of what they have experienced. This creates an important reframe: Slowing down isn't necessarily something that needs to be fixed. Sometimes it may be part of what makes reflection possible. 6. Legacy is a fundamental need Once the need for control is respected, Thai-An turns to what she describes as another major need: legacy. Legacy isn't simply about leaving behind possessions or accomplishments. It can involve questions such as: What has mattered most to me? What have I learned? What values have guided my life? What do I want my family to remember? What do I want to pass on to the next generation? How do I want to be remembered? What parts of my life still need to be understood or made meaningful? Life review can provide an opportunity to explore these questions without treating the older person as someone who is merely reminiscing about the past. Their stories can become a way of understanding the values that have shaped their life. 7. Listen for the stories that keep coming back Thai-An describes a particularly useful way of listening: pay attention to repeated stories and themes. An older person may tell the same story over and over. Instead of thinking, "I've heard this story before," a caregiver or therapist can become curious about why this particular story continues to matter. What people repeatedly talk about can reveal: Relationships that were important Experiences that shaped them Values they continue to hold Unresolved losses Important accomplishments Regrets Traditions they want to preserve Lessons they want future generations to understand Thai-An compares this process to "well watching"—slowing down and observing what emerges rather than rushing toward an agenda. 8. Start with open-ended questions Life review doesn't require an elaborate intervention. It can begin with simple questions such as: "Tell me about growing up." "What was your life like when you were young?" "How did you meet your spouse?" "Tell me more about your parents." "What do you remember about that time?" "What was that experience like for you?" "What did you learn from it?" "What mattered most to you about that?" "How did that experience change you?" The important part is not asking a long list of questions. It is creating enough space for the older person to lead the conversation. Thai-An emphasizes putting distractions aside, reducing urgency, and genuinely giving one's attention to the person. 9. The life-review process can be organized into several themes Thai-An describes a framework for listening to an older person's stories. Among the elements she discusses are: Repeated stories and themes What stories, people, experiences, or events keep appearing? Values What does the story reveal about what matters to this person? Recontextualization Is there an old experience that could be understood differently now? Are there events that need healing, closure, forgiveness, or a new meaning? Legacy How does the person want to be remembered? What would they like future generations to know or carry forward? This process can transform an ordinary conversation into an opportunity for deeper reflection and meaning-making.   Life Review Repeated Stories or Themes Listen for themes. Notice repetitions. Listen for topics described in exhaustive detail. Notice people mentioned over and over again. Pay attention to significant events. Values What does this show about your values? What is the biggest takeaway for you? How did this experience affect or change you? Summarize the person's values and what they seem to deeply care about. Recontextualization Use tools like EOV to help make new meaning and work through distortions. Ask whether there is any unfinished business. Explore the need behind repeated stories or themes. Mend a relationship. Leave a lost loved one some advice. Express unsaid words. Reconnect with an estranged loved one. See familiar places once more. Share memories. Find a resolution. Legacy How do you want to be remembered, and by whom? For example, your children and grandchildr

  3. Oct 12

    When Depression Is the Expression of Love

    When Depression Is the Expression of Love Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns When Depression Is the Expression of Love This episode is inspired by Dr. David Burns' Psychology Today article, "When Love Masquerades as Depression." Kevin and David explore the surprising idea that painful emotions such as depression, guilt, and shame can sometimes reflect a person's deepest values and capacity to love. What if depression, guilt, and shame aren't always signs that something is wrong with us—but can sometimes be distorted expressions of something deeply meaningful and positive? In this episode of The Feeling Good Podcast, Kevin Cornelius and Dr. David Burns explore this provocative idea through the story of Jim, a man who had struggled with severe depression for nearly a decade following the tragic death of his stepson. Jim believed he was responsible for his stepson's death. Friends tried to reassure him that it wasn't his fault, but their attempts to convince him otherwise didn't help. Instead of trying to talk Jim out of his guilt and depression, David listened carefully and discovered something unexpected beneath his suffering: Jim's extraordinary capacity to love, care for, and help other people. Jim had devoted much of his life to helping others. Even during his years of depression, he had stepped away from his successful business and devoted himself to helping people who had lost limbs from landmines. His depression, guilt, and sense of responsibility were connected to some of his most deeply held values. David and Kevin discuss how Positive Reframing, one of the central concepts in TEAM-CBT, can help therapists and patients discover the positive intentions and core values underlying painful emotions and behaviors. Rather than immediately trying to eliminate a symptom, the therapist first seeks to understand what the symptom may be doing for the person. The conversation also explores why trying to "fix" someone can actually increase resistance, why empathy is often more powerful than reassurance, and how dramatic changes can sometimes occur when people discover a new perspective for themselves rather than simply being told what to think. David also describes how working with Jim on a seemingly unrelated problem revealed the larger pattern underlying his suffering. Jim was worried that withdrawing money from a friend's bank could cause the bank to fail. As they examined the thought together, Jim suddenly recognized how exaggerated his sense of responsibility had become—and burst out laughing. David describes this as a moment of "laughing enlightenment." The episode offers a fascinating look at several fundamental TEAM-CBT principles: positive reframing, empathy, resistance, cognitive distortions, the fractal nature of psychological problems, and the possibility of rapid change. Key Takeaways Look beneath painful emotions. Depression, guilt, shame, anxiety, and anger can sometimes be connected to important values, relationships, and positive intentions. Positive Reframing can reduce resistance. Rather than immediately trying to eliminate a symptom or correct a distorted thought, therapists can help patients understand what the symptom represents and how it may have served a positive purpose. Empathy comes before fixing. Trying to cheer someone up or convince them that their feelings are wrong can be counterproductive. Genuine understanding can create the openness needed for change. Our strengths can become liabilities when taken to extremes. Jim's extraordinary desire to help others was a beautiful quality, but his belief that he was responsible for everyone's well-being also contributed to his suffering. Work on the problem the patient wants to work on. Jim's immediate concern about a friend's bank revealed the same underlying pattern of excessive responsibility that had contributed to his depression. The "fractal" idea in TEAM-CBT. Core patterns of thinking and suffering can show up in many different situations. Changing one specific problem can illuminate and change the larger pattern. Don't simply tell people what to see—help them discover it. Jim's breakthrough came when he recognized for himself how unrealistic his sense of responsibility had become. David describes this as a rapid moment of insight. Hopelessness can itself be a cognitive distortion. Previous unsuccessful attempts at treatment do not necessarily mean that someone is a hopeless case. Therapists can have the same blind spots as their patients. David reflects on his own belief that he should be able to help everyone, recognizing both its motivating power and its potential costs. Recovery can transform a person's life. Jim ultimately became fully engaged with his relationships, work, and life, and continued to express gratitude years after his recovery. Read the Article "When Love Masquerades as Depression" by Dr. David Burns, published in Psychology Today. Read the article on Psychology Today Listener Survey We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and allows us to create content that is as helpful and meaningful as possible. Please use this link to take the feedback survey and share your thoughts with us about this episode. Your voice matters—and as David points out in this episode, sometimes the most important conversations begin when we're willing to express what we're really thinking and feeling. Thank you for listening to The Feeling Good Podcast! Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

  4. Oct 5

    What If the Real Antidepressant is You?

    What If the Real Antidepressant Is You? The placebo effect is powerful—and why that truth matters more than you think. Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns What if one of the most widely accepted ideas in mental health isn't true? In this fascinating episode, Dr. David Burns and Kevin Cornelius discuss David's recent Psychology Today article, "What If the Real Antidepressant Is You? The Placebo Effect Is Powerful—and Why That Truth Matters More Than You Think." Together they explore decades of research on antidepressants, the surprising power of the placebo effect, and why giving yourself credit for your own recovery may be one of the most important—and hopeful—ideas in psychology. Whether you're taking antidepressants, considering them, or simply curious about the science of depression and recovery, this conversation will challenge assumptions, answer difficult questions with compassion, and leave you with a new perspective on where healing really comes from. Episode Summary Can a sugar pill relieve depression? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. But what if that isn't the most interesting question? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. David Burns and Kevin Cornelius discuss David's recent Psychology Today article, "What If the Real Antidepressant Is You? The Placebo Effect Is Powerful—and Why That Truth Matters More Than You Think." Together they examine decades of research, clinical experience, and one of the biggest controversies in psychiatry: Do antidepressant medications work because of their chemistry—or because of the hope and expectation they inspire? David explains why his own experience treating thousands of patients led him to question the effectiveness of antidepressant medications long before large-scale analyses reached similar conclusions. He shares the story of discovering research comparing antidepressants with placebos, and why those findings changed the way he thought about depression treatment forever. The conversation then takes an unexpected turn as David tells a memorable story about a fictional "miracle drug" named Placebo. Through this thought experiment, he explains why the placebo effect is often misunderstood—and why recovering on a placebo doesn't mean someone is "faking it." Instead, David argues that people may be activating their own remarkable capacity for healing through hope, expectation, and changes in the way they think. Kevin raises thoughtful questions that many listeners may be asking: If antidepressants aren't doing the healing, why do so many people feel convinced they helped? Why do people become angry when the placebo effect is discussed? If the placebo effect is real, does that mean cognitive therapy is "just a placebo" too? How can we distinguish between hope, expectancy, and treatments that produce unique therapeutic benefits? David also discusses new research from the Feeling Great app suggesting that while expectancy contributes to improvement, TEAM-CBT techniques appear to have measurable therapeutic effects above and beyond placebo alone. The discussion also explores: Why David believes patients deserve the credit for their own recovery. How understanding how you recovered can help protect you from future episodes of depression. Common side effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with antidepressants. Why David encourages listeners never to stop psychiatric medication without working closely with their prescribing clinician. Drug-free approaches to depression, including TEAM-CBT, Feeling Good, Feeling Great, and the Feeling Great app. Toward the end of the episode, Kevin asks David what gives him hope after more than five decades of clinical work. David shares exciting early findings from ongoing research on the Feeling Great app, reflects on the future of TEAM-CBT, and closes with an encouraging message for anyone who believes they're hopeless: in his experience, hopelessness itself is almost always the illness speaking—not reality. Whether you're curious about antidepressants, fascinated by the placebo effect, or simply looking for hope in your own recovery, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to think differently about where healing really comes from. Memorable Takeaways The placebo effect isn't fake—it may be one of the most powerful healing forces we possess. Hope, expectation, and belief can produce genuine emotional and biological changes. You deserve the credit for your recovery. If you improve, understanding how you got better gives you the power to do it again when life knocks you down. Healing doesn't have to come from a pill. According to David, lasting recovery comes from learning to change the thoughts and behaviors that keep depression alive. Question assumptions—even the popular ones. Science advances by following the evidence wherever it leads, even when the conclusions are uncomfortable or controversial. A treatment can create hope without being the source of healing. The conversation explores the important distinction between the benefits of expectancy and the unique effects of a treatment itself. Never stop psychiatric medication on your own. If you're considering changing or discontinuing medication, work closely with your prescribing clinician to do so safely. Hopelessness is a feeling—not a fact. David argues that hopelessness is one of depression's greatest illusions, and that recovery is often possible even when it seems unimaginable. The most important question isn't "What cured me?" but "What did I do that helped me recover?" Your answer may become your roadmap for staying well in the future. Listener Survey We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and allows us to create content that is as helpful and meaningful as possible. Please use this link to take the feedback survey and share your thoughts with us about this episode. Your voice matters—and as David points out in this episode, sometimes the most important conversations begin when we're willing to express what we're really thinking and feeling. Thank you for listening to The Feeling Good Podcast! Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

  5. Sep 28

    Ask David-Friendship, Rejection, and Anxiety About Sleep

    Ask David: Friendship, Rejection, and Anxiety About Sleep Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guest: Dr. Matt May In this Ask David episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, David Burns, Dr. Matt May, and Kevin Cornelius tackle two listener questions: one about the painful experience of feeling that your efforts at friendship aren't being reciprocated, and another about anxiety-induced insomnia. The conversation explores a common theme underlying both problems: our suffering often comes not only from what happens, but from the thoughts and assumptions we make about what happens. When Friendship Doesn't Feel Reciprocal Brittany writes about a recurring pattern in her relationships. She is usually the one who reaches out, initiates conversations, and tries to build friendships, but she doesn't feel that others make the same effort. She wonders: "What am I doing wrong?" Kevin suggests an important alternative: perhaps she isn't doing anything wrong at all. There may be many explanations for another person's lack of reciprocity. They may be busy, uncomfortable making new friends, or simply not interested in the same kind of relationship. Most importantly, we aren't the right friend for everybody—and everybody isn't the right friend for us. David introduces the TEAM-CBT technique of Reattribution, encouraging Brittany to consider explanations other than the automatic conclusion that something is wrong with her. The group then explores Changing the Focus, one of the Five Secrets of Effective Communication. Rather than silently wondering what another person is thinking, Brittany could directly—and respectfully—acknowledge the tension and ask the other person how they experience the relationship. But saying something this vulnerable can feel risky. What if the other person really does reject us? David, Matt, and Kevin explore this fear through a Feared Fantasy role-play, imagining some of the harshest things another person might say. The goal isn't to create a perfect response; it is to discover that even rejection can be faced, accepted, and explored with curiosity. The role-play produces one of the episode's central insights: accepting another person's criticism or rejection can sometimes be much more powerful than trying to defend ourselves against it. When Trying to Sleep Becomes the Problem The second listener, writing from China, describes three months of anxiety and insomnia. They desperately want to get eight hours of sleep, but the fear of not sleeping creates tension that makes falling asleep even harder. Then, when they realize they haven't slept well, the panic starts all over again. David immediately points to the value of a Daily Mood Log. Rather than guessing what is causing the anxiety, he recommends identifying the specific negative thoughts, emotions, and belief ratings connected to the insomnia. Matt suggests using the What-If Technique to uncover the fear underneath the anxiety: What are you afraid will happen if you don't get enough sleep? Perhaps the fear is that you won't be able to function, that something terrible will happen, or that you will lose control. Once the underlying fear is identified, it can become something that can actually be examined and challenged. Kevin also challenges the assumption that everyone needs exactly eight hours of sleep to be healthy. The discussion emphasizes that anxiety about the need to sleep can itself make sleep more difficult. David summarizes the idea bluntly: the problem may not be insomnia itself, but the distorted thoughts about insomnia. The "shoulds"—I should be sleeping; I have to get eight hours—can turn a bad night of sleep into a major emotional crisis. The group also discusses behavioral approaches to insomnia, including sleep restriction, getting out of bed rather than lying awake and frustrated, and paying attention to factors such as caffeine and sleep habits. Important: The discussion of alprazolam, Tylenol, and other sleep-related medications reflects comments made during the podcast and should not be interpreted as individualized medical advice. Medication decisions should be discussed with a qualified medical professional. Key Takeaways Not every lack of reciprocity means something is wrong with you. Consider alternative explanations before concluding that you are unlikable or doing something wrong. You aren't the right friend for everyone. Sometimes the healthiest response is to recognize that two people simply aren't a good match and move on. Changing the Focus can bring hidden tension into the open. Rather than guessing what someone thinks, talk openly about what you're noticing and ask for their perspective. Vulnerability is often what makes honest connection possible. Saying "I feel hurt" or "I sense some tension" can feel risky, but it can also create an opportunity for genuine understanding. Use the Feared Fantasy to face rejection. Imagine the worst response you might receive and practice responding to it rather than avoiding the conversation altogether. Acceptance can be disarming. Instead of automatically defending yourself when someone criticizes or rejects you, try accepting what they are saying and becoming genuinely curious about their experience. Identify the thoughts underneath anxiety. With insomnia, ask: What am I afraid will happen if I don't sleep? The answer may reveal the real source of the panic. "I should be sleeping" can become part of the problem. Fighting insomnia and catastrophizing about its consequences may increase anxiety and make sleep more difficult. Precision matters. A Daily Mood Log can help identify exactly what emotions and negative thoughts are driving a problem, rather than relying on vague descriptions of anxiety or distress. Look for hidden emotions and unresolved problems. David discusses the possibility that insomnia can sometimes be connected to relationship difficulties, work problems, depression, anxiety, or other issues that haven't been addressed. Coming Up on Ask David The episode ends with two intriguing questions for future episodes. Kevin raises the difficult question of what to say when someone believes an antidepressant has "changed their life," while Matt introduces a question about the possible impact of social media on mood and relationships. As David points out, the social-media question raises an important distinction between a compelling hypothesis and something that has actually been demonstrated through research. The conversation returns to a broader TEAM-CBT theme: vulnerability and openly sharing our feelings may be important ingredients in developing deeper, more loving relationships—whether online or face-to-face. Listener Survey We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and allows us to create content that is as helpful and meaningful as possible. Please use this link to take the feedback survey and share your thoughts with us about this episode. Your voice matters—and as David points out in this episode, sometimes the most important conversations begin when we're willing to express what we're really thinking and feeling. Thank you for listening to The Feeling Good Podcast! Contact Information You can reach Matt May, MD @ https://www.matthewmaymd.com Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness! Download the app now at www.FeelingGreat.com

  6. Sep 21

    Ask David--Grief, Love and Letting Go

    Ask David: Grief, Love and Letting Go Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guest: Dr. Matt May In this Ask David episode of The Feeling Good Podcast, David Burns, Kevin Cornelius, and Matt May explore three emotionally difficult situations: watching a child struggle and desperately wanting to help, grieving the loss of someone you love, and trying to pursue a romantic relationship with someone who has clearly said no. The common thread? Our suffering often increases when we try to control something—or someone—that we cannot control. When Your Child Is Struggling The episode begins with a parent asking how to help a daughter who is having a difficult time. David offers a counterintuitive suggestion: sometimes the best way to help is to stop trying to help. Rather than pushing advice, solutions, or therapy, parents can learn to listen with genuine empathy. David recommends learning the Five Secrets of Effective Communication, which can help parents create an environment where their children feel understood and are more willing to talk. David also emphasizes an important principle from his own clinical practice: he doesn't try to help people against their will. Unless a child is very young, the person receiving therapy needs to want the help and ask for it. Matt adds another important dimension: parents and therapists may experience guilt, frustration, anger, or self-blame when they can't make someone else better. Those feelings don't mean you're a bad parent or therapist. They may simply reflect how deeply you care. What Is Healthy Grief? The second question comes from someone grieving the death of a spouse and wondering whether intense misery and despair are signs of unhealthy grief—and how long healthy grief is supposed to last. The discussion offers an important distinction: Healthy grief can be extremely painful. Sadness itself isn't necessarily something that needs to be "fixed." If the painful thoughts are accurate—"I'll never see my spouse again" or "I miss the person I loved"—then the appropriate response may be empathy rather than cognitive restructuring. But grief can become complicated by distorted thoughts, such as: "It's my fault that she died." "I should have done more." "I should have known." "I should have prevented this." "I'll never be happy again." These thoughts can add guilt, shame, anger, and hopelessness to the natural pain of loss. David also challenges the idea that there is a prescribed timetable for grief. There is no universal schedule that says when someone "should" be finished grieving. Trying to force yourself to recover according to an arbitrary timeline may simply create another layer of suffering. Instead, David encourages listeners to lean into grief rather than judge it. Deep grief can be understood as an expression of deep love. When Romantic Pursuit Becomes a Trap The final question comes from Ahmed, who became interested in a divorced woman, expressed his desire for marriage very early, and continued pursuing her even after she made it clear that she wasn't interested. The discussion explores the difference between genuine connection and emotional pursuit. Matt identifies several thoughts that can fuel what he calls a "love addiction," including: "I can't be happy without this person." Or the belief that if you're sincere, thoughtful, and persistent enough, you can eventually convince someone to love you. David and Kevin challenge that idea. If someone has clearly communicated that they aren't interested, continuing to pursue them isn't likely to create attraction. Instead, it may be a sign that you're avoiding the pain of acceptance and letting go. David shares personal stories about learning to overcome his own fear of rejection, including deliberately seeking out rejection so that it would no longer have the power to frighten him. The ultimate goal isn't to convince one particular person to love you. It's to become comfortable enough with yourself that you don't need any particular person to make you happy. As Kevin puts it, there is something much more appealing about someone who is already enjoying their life and invites another person to join them than someone who is essentially saying, "Please be with me so that I can be happy." Key Takeaways 1. You can't make someone want help. When someone you love is suffering, your instinct may be to push harder. But sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is listen, empathize, and give the other person the freedom to choose whether they want help. 2. Empathy may be more appropriate than problem-solving. Not every painful emotion is a symptom that needs to be eliminated. When someone's sadness is based on reality, especially after a profound loss, compassion and empathy may be the most appropriate response. 3. Look for the thoughts behind emotional suffering. The distinction between healthy and unhealthy grief isn't simply how intensely someone feels. Ask what thoughts are creating the emotional pain. Accurate thoughts may call for empathy; distorted thoughts may provide an opportunity for cognitive change. 4. There is no universal timetable for grief. Grief isn't a race. Trying to determine how long you "should" grieve can create additional pressure and self-criticism. 5. "Shoulds" can make grief even more painful. Thoughts such as "I should have known" or "I should have done more" can turn natural sadness into guilt and self-blame. 6. You cannot persuade someone into wanting a relationship. Sincerity, persistence, and good intentions don't create attraction when the other person has already said no. Sometimes the healthiest response is to accept the rejection and let go. 7. Learn to be happy on your own. One of the central lessons from David's book Intimate Connections is that healthy relationships become easier when you aren't dependent on another person for your happiness. 8. Rejection doesn't have to mean something is wrong with you. Fear of rejection can keep people attached to unavailable partners. Learning to tolerate rejection—and even deliberately practicing it—can dramatically reduce its emotional power. 9. Sometimes "letting go" is the path toward getting what you really want. Whether you're trying to force a child into therapy, force yourself to stop grieving, or force someone to love you, the attempt to control the uncontrollable can keep you stuck. Acceptance creates room for genuine connection and change. Resources Mentioned David recommends several previous Feeling Good Podcast episodes and books during the discussion, including: Feeling Good Together, for learning the Five Secrets of Effective Communication. Intimate Connections, for understanding loneliness, dating, rejection, and developing healthy relationships. Previous Feeling Good Podcast episodes on helping children and the problems that can arise when helping doesn't help. 146: When Helping Doesn't Help 495: Stop Helping! Here's How. Featuring Thai-An Truong on Codependency Questions for Reflection When someone I love is struggling, am I listening—or trying to fix? What emotions do I experience when I can't make someone else better? During grief, which of my thoughts are accurate, and which might contain "shoulds" or self-blame? Am I judging myself for how long I am grieving? Have I ever pursued someone because I believed I couldn't be happy without them? What would it look like to build a satisfying life without needing a particular person to complete it? What would happen if I stopped trying to control an outcome I can't control? The episode ultimately offers a compassionate message: you can care deeply without trying to control, grieve deeply without judging yourself, and love someone without needing them to love you back. Listener Survey We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and allows us to create content that is as helpful and meaningful as possible. Please use this link to take the feedback survey and share your thoughts with us about this episode. Your voice matters—and as David points out in this episode, sometimes the most important conversations begin when we're willing to express what we're really thinking and feeling. Thank you for listening to The Feeling Good Podcast! Contact Information You can reach Matt May, MD @ https://www.matthewmaymd.com Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

  7. Sep 14

    519: What Therapists Get Wrong—and How to Fix It

    Episode 519: What Therapists Get Wrong—and How to Fix It Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guest: Jeremy Karmel What happens when therapy becomes something you simply keep doing rather than something that actually helps you get better? In this lively and provocative episode of The Feeling Good Podcast, Kevin Cornelius, LMFT, joins Dr. David Burns and Jeremy Karmel for a candid conversation about some of the biggest problems they see in modern mental health care—and what therapists can do differently. Jeremy brings a unique perspective to the discussion: he experienced severe depression in college and spent months in different therapies and therapy groups without getting better. Then, working with one of David Burns' students, he discovered powerful cognitive therapy techniques that produced dramatic results in just two weeks. The experience left him both grateful and frustrated—and motivated to understand why effective treatment can sometimes be so difficult to find. David, Kevin, and Jeremy explore several common pitfalls in therapy, including the failure to measure results, getting lost in the past, talking about problems in vague and general terms, and assuming that every therapist is qualified to treat every kind of problem. Accountability: Is Therapy Actually Working? The conversation begins with one of David's central concerns: accountability. If someone has been coming to therapy for months—or even years—how do they know whether treatment is actually helping? Kevin shares his own experience of spending several years in therapy without clearly defined goals or any systematic testing of progress. Although he valued the relationship with his therapist, he now sees the lack of specific goals and measurement as a major limitation. By contrast, his current approach involves establishing concrete treatment goals and measuring progress before and after sessions. Jeremy points out that many people in therapy cannot even answer a basic question: What are you working on? Without clear goals, it becomes difficult for patients to hold therapists—or themselves—accountable for results. Do We Really Need to Find the Cause in the Past? The group then tackles another controversial question: Does effective therapy require uncovering the origins of a problem in childhood or the distant past? David tells the story of a woman with a severe elevator phobia who had been told in psychoanalysis that the roots of her fear were in childhood—and that overcoming it might take several more years. During a workshop, David instead helped her confront the feared elevator directly. Within minutes, her fear disappeared, and she subsequently rode skyscraper elevators without difficulty. The larger point isn't that the past is irrelevant. Rather, David argues that therapy can become unnecessarily focused on discovering hypothetical causes when the more practical question is: What is bothering you right now, and what can we do about it? The conversation extends this idea to trauma and PTSD. David describes an approach that focuses primarily on the patient's current distress rather than repeatedly dwelling on the traumatic history. Jeremy shares an example of someone whose debilitating trauma-related flashbacks improved after confronting the traumatic memory directly. From General Problems to Specific Moments: The Power of Fractals Another major theme is the distinction between general problems and specific problems. People commonly come into therapy saying things like: "I don't know who I am." "I have low self-esteem." "I'm bad at relationships." "I'm always depressed." "I have trouble with people." But what does that actually mean? David and Kevin argue that the therapist's job is to find a specific moment when the supposedly general problem was actually happening. What was going on? Where were you? Who was there? What were you feeling? And, most importantly, what were you telling yourself? David describes these specific moments as "fractals": individual situations that contain the repeating pattern of a much larger problem. By solving the specific problem, you may simultaneously begin solving the general problem. Jeremy illustrates this with his own tendency to argue. Looking at specific interactions through David's Relationship Journal helped him recognize a recurring pattern: instead of listening and looking for truth in what another person was saying, he would shift into arguing. Is Your Therapist Actually an Expert in Your Problem? The final major theme may be the most provocative: Therapists aren't necessarily experts in every problem their patients bring to therapy. David and Jeremy use dating as an example. A therapist may have extensive training in psychotherapy without having any particular expertise in dating, flirting, relationships, or the practical skills involved in meeting potential partners. Kevin offers an important distinction: therapists don't necessarily need to give advice about every subject. Instead, they can help clients identify the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and communication patterns that are getting in their way. This leads to a broader principle: therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Different problems require different skills, and therapists should be honest about what they know—and what they don't. Kevin describes how he deliberately developed greater expertise in treating anxiety rather than trying to present himself as an expert in everything. Key Takeaways Therapy should have measurable goals. If you don't know what you're trying to accomplish, it becomes difficult to determine whether therapy is working. Relief and effectiveness aren't necessarily the same thing. A supportive therapeutic relationship can feel valuable while still failing to produce meaningful progress on the problems that brought someone to therapy. Don't automatically assume the past is the key to the cure. The speakers argue that many problems can be addressed more effectively by focusing on what is happening in the present. Get specific. Instead of discussing "low self-esteem," "identity," or "relationship problems" in the abstract, identify a specific recent moment when the problem occurred. Specific moments can reveal larger patterns. The "fractal" concept suggests that a single upsetting interaction may contain the same cognitive and emotional patterns that repeatedly create suffering elsewhere. Therapists aren't experts at everything. A psychotherapy credential doesn't automatically make someone an expert in every problem a client might bring. Specialization matters. Therapists can become much more effective by developing deep expertise in particular problems and treatment methods. Therapists should be willing to say, "I'm not the right person for this." Recognizing the limits of one's expertise can be a sign of professionalism and humility rather than weakness. The ultimate question is simple: Is the patient getting better? For David, Kevin, and Jeremy, accountability means keeping the focus on results—and continually learning better ways to help people achieve them. About This Episode This episode features Dr. David Burns, Kevin Cornelius, LMFT, and Jeremy Karmel, a former therapy client whose own experience with ineffective treatment led him to become deeply involved in developing the Feeling Great app. The conversation is candid, humorous, and intentionally provocative—but its central message is constructive: when therapists identify weaknesses in their approach, measure their results, develop better skills, and remain humble about what they don't know, they can become dramatically more effective. As David puts it near the end of the episode, there are problems in therapy—but there are also solutions, and learning new skills can open the door to much greater effectiveness. About Jeremy Karmel Jeremy Karmel works with David Burns on the Feeling Great app and became passionate about TEAM-CBT after experiencing a dramatic recovery from severe depression during college. After trying numerous forms of therapy without success, he worked with Matt May and experienced a complete clearing of his depression in approximately two weeks. If You Enjoyed This Episode If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe to The Feeling Good Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who struggles with anxiety or avoidance. Your support helps more people discover practical, evidence-based tools for overcoming fear and building happier lives. Listener Survey We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and allows us to create content that is as helpful and meaningful as possible. Please use this link to take the feedback survey and share your thoughts with us about this episode. Your voice matters—and as David points out in this episode, sometimes the most important conversations begin when we're willing to express what we're really thinking and feeling. Thank you for listening to The Feeling Good Podcast! Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

  8. Sep 7

    Why So Much Therapy Doesn't Work (And What Actually Does)

    Episode 518: Why So Much Therapy Doesn't Work (And What Actually Does) Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guest: Jeremy Karmel What happens when therapy doesn't work? In this provocative episode of The Feeling Good Podcast, David Burns and Jeremy Karmel join Kevin Cornelius to examine some uncomfortable questions about the mental health field: Why do some people remain in therapy for years without getting better? Why do so few therapists measure their patients' progress? What happens when therapists become overly attached to one particular school of therapy? And how can we make psychotherapy more effective, accountable, and evidence-based? Jeremy brings a particularly personal perspective to the conversation. After experiencing severe depression in college and trying numerous forms of therapy without success, he worked with Matt May using TEAM-CBT and experienced a dramatic recovery in roughly two weeks. That experience ultimately led him to become deeply involved in TEAM-CBT and in the development of the Feeling Great app. David and Jeremy describe a list of more than 30 concerns about the way mental health care is commonly practiced today. They emphasize that the goal isn't simply to criticize therapists, but to encourage a radical improvement in the effectiveness of psychotherapy. In This Episode 1. Can financial incentives create a conflict of interest? David and Jeremy explore a difficult question: If therapists are paid by the session, is there an inherent incentive to keep therapy going longer than necessary? They contrast long-term therapy without measurable improvement with a model in which the therapist's goal is to help the client recover as quickly and completely as possible. David argues that therapists should be able to define what successful treatment looks like and determine whether their interventions are actually producing meaningful change. Kevin offers another perspective from his experience at Feeling Good Institute, where brief TEAM-CBT therapy can lead to rapid improvement while also generating referrals because clients recognize that the treatment is effective. 2. Are schools of therapy becoming like "cults"? David and Jeremy question the tendency within psychotherapy to become attached to particular theorists, schools, and treatment models. Instead of assuming that one approach explains every psychological problem, they argue for flexibility. Depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and other difficulties may have very different causes and may require very different interventions. David describes TEAM-CBT as a framework for effective psychotherapy rather than allegiance to one particular technique. He has developed more than 140 techniques and emphasizes selecting methods according to the individual's specific problem. Jeremy points out that therapists and patients can be tempted to treat the ideas of famous figures such as Freud or Carl Rogers as unquestionable truths rather than hypotheses that should be tested against evidence. 3. The refusal to measure Perhaps the strongest theme of the episode is the importance of measurement. David argues that therapists need to know whether their patients are actually improving—not simply assume that they are. His approach involves measuring symptoms at the beginning and end of sessions and tracking changes over time. If a person begins a session feeling 90% depressed and ends at 80%, that's useful information. If the numbers don't improve from week to week, the therapist has evidence that something needs to change. On the other hand, dramatic changes can provide tangible evidence that treatment is working. Jeremy shares the story of a friend who had apparently been depressed for 18 months or more while receiving therapy, yet neither the therapist nor the patient had been systematically measuring whether the depression was improving. 4. Therapists aren't always accurate judges of how their patients feel One of the most surprising parts of the discussion is David's argument that therapists' clinical intuition can be remarkably inaccurate. He describes research in which highly trained clinicians interviewed patients extensively and then estimated how depressed, anxious, angry, or suicidal the patients were. Their estimates were extremely inaccurate compared with the patients' own ratings. The lesson is humbling: We cannot reliably assume that we know how another person feels simply because we've spent a lot of time talking with them. Measurement provides information that intuition cannot. 5. Measurement can transform the therapist, too David explains that measurement isn't simply a way of judging the patient—or judging the therapist. It can become one of the most powerful tools for improving clinical skill. If a therapist believes a session went wonderfully but the patient's ratings show otherwise, the therapist has an opportunity to learn. Likewise, if a particular intervention consistently produces dramatic improvements, measurement can reveal what works and help the therapist do more of it. Kevin shares his own experience of how using testing transformed his work with clients and helped him learn how to become a more effective therapist. 6. What can therapists and patients do differently? The episode ultimately isn't about giving up on therapy. It's about demanding better therapy. David argues that the problems discussed—including conflicts of interest, allegiance to particular schools of therapy, and the failure to measure outcomes—are solvable. Therapists can begin using data to evaluate their effectiveness and become more willing to change their methods when patients aren't improving. Kevin also encourages people seeking therapy to ask prospective therapists whether they use measurement and whether they track progress from session to session. Key Takeaways Therapy should be evaluated by its results. Good intentions, empathy, and a strong therapeutic relationship are important, but they aren't substitutes for meaningful improvement. Therapists need to measure. Without measurement, it can be difficult to know whether a client is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. Don't assume one therapy fits every problem. Different emotional and relationship problems may require different techniques. Question therapeutic dogma. Famous therapists and established schools of therapy can offer valuable ideas, but their claims should be evaluated rather than accepted simply because they come from an authority. Clinical intuition has limits. Even experienced therapists may be surprisingly inaccurate when judging how patients are actually feeling. Measurement is a learning tool. Tracking outcomes doesn't just hold therapists accountable—it helps them discover what works and improve their skills. Patients can become informed consumers of therapy. Asking a prospective therapist how they measure progress can provide valuable information about their approach. Therapy can be brief and effective. The goal shouldn't necessarily be years of treatment; the goal should be meaningful improvement and relapse prevention. The field can change. David, Jeremy, and Kevin emphasize that the problems they identify aren't inevitable. Therapists can adopt more flexible, measurable, evidence-based approaches. A Question for Listeners How do you know if your therapy is working? If you're a therapist, do you routinely measure your clients' symptoms and satisfaction? If you're a therapy client, has anyone ever shown you objective evidence that you're getting better? And perhaps most importantly: Would you have the courage to discover that your current approach isn't working—and then change it? About Jeremy Karmel Jeremy Karmel works with David Burns on the Feeling Great app and became passionate about TEAM-CBT after experiencing a dramatic recovery from severe depression during college. After trying numerous forms of therapy without success, he worked with Matt May and experienced a complete clearing of his depression in approximately two weeks. Coming Up This conversation is the beginning of a larger discussion about the problems—and possibilities—of modern psychotherapy. As Kevin notes at the end of the episode, there are solutions to many of the problems discussed, and future episodes will explore more of them. If You Enjoyed This Episode If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe to The Feeling Good Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who struggles with anxiety or avoidance. Your support helps more people discover practical, evidence-based tools for overcoming fear and building happier lives. Listener Survey We'd love to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape future episodes and allows us to create content that is as helpful and meaningful as possible. Please use this link to take the feedback survey and share your thoughts with us about this episode. Your voice matters—and as David points out in this episode, sometimes the most important conversations begin when we're willing to express what we're really thinking and feeling. Thank you for listening to The Feeling Good Podcast! Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

See All (545)

Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
845 Ratings

About

This podcast features David D. Burns MD, author of "Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy," describing powerful new techniques to overcome depression and anxiety and develop greater joy and self-esteem. For therapists and the general public alike!

Information

You Might Also Like