

426: The Story of My Life, Part 1, David is interviewed by Joshua Gibson, Host of the Psychological Weightlifting Podcas
Dec 9, 2024
Joshua Gibson, a PhD candidate and powerlifting coach, chats with David about his incredible journey in mental health research. They delve into 'philosophical weightlifting,' exploring how fitness and philosophy intersect to enhance mental well-being. David shares insights from his experiences at prestigious institutions, discussing innovative techniques in TEAM-CBT and the importance of measuring therapeutic progress. The conversation also highlights the role of empathy in therapy and the development of an app designed to make mental health support more accessible.
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Ineffective Treatments
- David Burns recounts his disillusionment during residency, where advanced treatments failed to help depressed veterans.
- One veteran, Fred, even after a heart attack and ECT, still expressed a desire to die, highlighting the limitations of their approach.
Therapy as a Skill
- David Burns realized traditional methods were ineffective, prompting him to explore cognitive therapy.
- He envisioned therapy as skill-based, like sports, where progress could be measured, leading to his development of TEAM-CBT.
Paradoxical Agenda Setting
- Identify the positive aspects of negative thoughts and behaviors, as they often serve a hidden purpose.
- Addressing these underlying positives can unlock rapid recovery, as seen in David Burns' paradoxical agenda setting.