Comments on: On Depression http://thecompany.net/jason/posts/2005/on-depression/ We seem to be haunted by the randomness of life and alternate versions of reality. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:03:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Jolie http://thecompany.net/jason/posts/2005/on-depression/#comment-25 Jolie Tue, 24 May 2005 23:46:17 +0000 http://thecompany.net/jason/?p=59#comment-25 As someone who has been on anti-depressants in the past, works currently as a counselor, and employs cognitive therapy in my sessions with clients - I have way to many thoughts... as well as a number of follow-up questions. But I'll wait till the next time we talk on the phone or hang out. I just want to hit a few major points. #1 - Most counselors would say that the primary function of therapy is to address the presenting concerns and goals that a client brings to the table. Counselors may offer insight, but should not have there own agendas. So - the goal of therapy should only be to "live a happy life and function in society" if that is what the client is looking for. #2 - I think you have a misconception of what cognitive therapy looks like in action. While it can be used long term - it's mostly used as a tool in brief therapy models. Often, clients don't have the option (due to insurance or other factors) to see their therapists for the length of time needed for psychoanalytic counseling. Cognitive therapy is a way to address the client's needs in a shorter period of time. Also - it's not always about getting clients to do the opposite of whatever is comfortable. It's about using excercises as tools. So, for instance, if I have a client who gets stuck and obsesses over negetive self-talk, I might have him or her keep a journal of positive things that happen to them. Sounds cheesy, right? But the client already has a tendancy to obsess. So, I'm using that to his or her advantage... so they start repeating a different script. It's just about shifting behavior. Of course, this is a very basic example... but I'm short on time and have to run so it's the best I've got for now. ttyl As someone who has been on anti-depressants in the past, works currently as a counselor, and employs cognitive therapy in my sessions with clients - I have way to many thoughts… as well as a number of follow-up questions. But I’ll wait till the next time we talk on the phone or hang out. I just want to hit a few major points.

#1 - Most counselors would say that the primary function of therapy is to address the presenting concerns and goals that a client brings to the table. Counselors may offer insight, but should not have there own agendas. So - the goal of therapy should only be to “live a happy life and function in society” if that is what the client is looking for.

#2 - I think you have a misconception of what cognitive therapy looks like in action. While it can be used long term - it’s mostly used as a tool in brief therapy models. Often, clients don’t have the option (due to insurance or other factors) to see their therapists for the length of time needed for psychoanalytic counseling. Cognitive therapy is a way to address the client’s needs in a shorter period of time.

Also - it’s not always about getting clients to do the opposite of whatever is comfortable. It’s about using excercises as tools. So, for instance, if I have a client who gets stuck and obsesses over negetive self-talk, I might have him or her keep a journal of positive things that happen to them. Sounds cheesy, right? But the client already has a tendancy to obsess. So, I’m using that to his or her advantage… so they start repeating a different script. It’s just about shifting behavior.

Of course, this is a very basic example… but I’m short on time and have to run so it’s the best I’ve got for now. ttyl

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