Posted by pseudoname on November 8, 2005, at 18:20:39
In reply to Re: It takes time, my friend, posted by UgottaHaveHope on November 8, 2005, at 3:23:07
> really need to start working on your thought patterns
I think cognitive techniques can be useful, although they are (I think) much more limited than authors of CBT books suggest.
> happiness, contentment is a choice
It may *seem* like a choice when we are neurologically all set for good feelings. But when happiness is physiologically impossible, telling someone, as IFMPW's doctor did, that their unhappiness is as much a choice as what to have for breakfast seems cruel.
On the subject of thought patterns, IFMPW's doc seems to be demonstrating several cognitive distortions:
• EMOTIONAL REASONING: "I *feel* frustrated by this patient, therefore there is nothing I can do."
• ALL-OR-NOTHING THINKING: "If there is some aspect of her presentation that is not classic depression, there is NO aspect that is depression. If any part of what she experiences is a choice, then ALL parts of what she feels are a choice."
• DISCOUNTING THE POSITIVE: "She is here in my office, trying to get better, but that doesn't count. It's easier to say that she's only choosing to be stuck in her feelings."Perhaps it is *he* who really needs to start working on his thought patterns.
poster:pseudoname
thread:576399
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051106/msgs/576842.html