Counsel #17 — COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

Picture: Counsel #17 — COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)CMH 19.1

When you’re anxious or angry, it’s common to have irrational thoughts that don’t make sense. These thoughts are often based on the worst-case scenario. You might get caught in a cycle of "what if" questions, which can lead you to sabotage your own life. A licensed CBT therapist could be helpful if you tend to focus on worst-case scenarios or irrational thoughts.^{[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/} Here are some CBT ideas to practice at home:CMH 19.2

Stop and ask yourself the following questions:CMH 19.3

Is this likely to happen?

Is this a rational thought?

Has this ever happened to me before?

What’s the worst that can happen? Can I handle that?

When you’re feeling anxious or angry, it can be helpful to have a saying or phrase that you can repeat to yourself to help calm your emotions. For example, you could repeat to yourself:CMH 19.4

"Will this matter to me next week?"

"How important is this?"

"Am I going to allow this person or situation to steal my peace?"

By repeating these phrases, you can break the cycle of irrational thoughts and make better decisions.CMH 19.5

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJVCMH 19.6

“Those who take Christ at His Word and surrender the soul to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude.” Ellen White in My Life Today, p. 181CMH 19.7

Reflection: What Bible promises remind you of God’s power and sovereignty? Consider memorizing one or more to repeat in stressful situations.CMH 19.8