Depression can seem worse than terminal cancer, because most cancer patients feel loved and they have hope and self-esteem.
David D. BurnsRead
Cognitive therapy is based on the idea that when you change the way you think, you can change the way you feel and behave. In other words, if we can learn to think about other people in a more positive and realistic way, it will be far easier to resolve conflicts and develop rewarding personal and professional relationships.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Changing your thoughts can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors, enhancing relationships.
This quote emphasizes the profound impact of cognitive therapy, highlighting that by adjusting our thinking patterns, particularly in how we view others, we can significantly alter our emotional responses and behaviors. This shift can facilitate conflict resolution and foster more fulfilling personal and professional relationships, ultimately improving our overall quality of life.
Themes
Cognitive TherapyThoughtsFeelingsBehaviorRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
A therapist can use this quote during a session to illustrate the importance of cognitive restructuring in therapy.
More from David D. Burns
All quotes βThat's one of the peculiar things about bad moods - we often fool ourselves and create misery by telling ourselves things that simply are not true.
David D. BurnsRead
Most people do surprisingly poorly when dealing with a relative who is hurting, depressed, or anxious - we get defensive and try to solve the problem rather than finding the truth in what the person is saying.
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Negative thinking patterns can be immensely deceptive and persuasive, and change is rarely easy. But with patience and persistence, I believe that nearly all individuals suffering from depression can improve and experience a sense of joy and self-esteem once again.
David D. BurnsRead
A poor self-image is the magnifying glass that can transform a trivial mistake or an imperfection into an overwhelming symbol of personal defeat.
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I'm all for 'tools,' not 'schools,' of therapy. To me, the schools of therapy compete much like religions, or even cults, all claiming to know the cause and to have the best method for treating people.
David D. BurnsRead
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