Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 7 Ways to Freedom from Anxiety, Depression, and Intrusive Thoughts (Happiness is a trainable, attainable skill!)

by Lawrence Wallace

By being mindful of your thoughts, you can control your feelings and, consequently, your actions.

The behavioral aspect of CBT deals with how different behaviors influence mood. It aims to teach clients to increase behaviors associated with a positive mood and avoid behaviors associated with a negative mood.

Often, automatic thoughts overestimate threats and underestimate our ability to deal with problems.

According to Hindu teachings, holding on to anger is like holding a hot coal and waiting to throw it at someone—it hurts the one holding it more than the one it’s aimed at.

We are often so sure of our core beliefs that we think they don’t merit examination.

“man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them.”

we should avoid being overly attached to certain outcomes or desires.

Just as fish have minimal influence in the ocean, we humans have only minimal influence in the universe.

Overwhelm is a common symptom of many mental illnesses and disorders. This intense self-focus is a form of suffering caused by anxiety or depression, and not simply a sign of selfishness.

Listen to your thoughts without analyzing them—do not try to think your way out. Instead, connect with the energy of your thoughts—feel your way out.