Ep. 201: Seth & Joel — What If You Don't Need to Fix Yourself?
Sep 6, 2023
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Dr. Joel Minden interviews Seth Gillahan about Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. They discuss the limitations of traditional CBT, the shift in perspective that comes with mindfulness, self-compassion for difficult emotions, the role of honesty in relationships, and the importance of self-compassion and compassion for others.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to address symptoms and improve mental well-being by changing thought patterns and behaviors.
Traditional treatment approaches often focus solely on symptom reduction without addressing deeper longings for peace and fulfillment, highlighting the importance of exploring treatment perspectives that go beyond symptom management.
Integrating mindfulness into CBT enhances treatment outcomes by fostering acceptance, contentment, and satisfaction in the present moment, supporting individuals in developing an authentic and accepting approach to their thoughts, emotions, and circumstances.
Deep dives
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and its Benefits
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors. It has been shown to be effective for various conditions. The cognitive aspect involves identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, while the behavioral component focuses on changing behaviors through exposure and reward-based activities. CBT aims to address symptoms and improve mental well-being.
The Incomplete Approach of Traditional Treatment
Traditional treatment approaches often focus solely on symptom reduction without addressing deeper longings for peace and fulfillment. This can lead to an incomplete approach to therapy. Many individuals seek treatment to alleviate emotional pain, but yearn for something more profound. The podcast episode highlights the importance of recognizing this universal longing for peace and exploring treatment perspectives that go beyond symptom management.
Integrating Mindfulness with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Integrating mindfulness into cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance treatment outcomes. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and open to one's experience without judgment. It is about accepting reality as it is, rather than trying to control or change it. By combining mindfulness with cognitive techniques, individuals can develop a more authentic and accepting approach to their thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. This integration supports a shift from constantly striving for outcomes to finding contentment and satisfaction in the present moment.
The Importance of Acceptance in Mindfulness
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the significance of acceptance in mindfulness practice. They highlight the need to acknowledge that things may not always go as planned or as desired, and that it is essential to cultivate a mindset that does not rely on external circumstances for inner peace. The speaker encourages starting mindfulness from wherever one is, even if they struggle to accept their current state. They emphasize the importance of dispelling the idea that mindfulness requires a specific mental or emotional state, as it should encompass all experiences, including resistance or difficulty.
The Role of Personal Sharing in Mindfulness
The speaker discusses the power of personal sharing in mindfulness practice. They share their own health and mental health struggles openly and explain how being forthcoming about personal challenges can be refreshing and inspiring for others. By revealing the truth, especially about difficult thoughts and emotions, the speaker aims to connect with readers and listeners on a deeper level. They suggest that mindfulness practice is not about feeling guilty or inadequate, but about finding freedom and love. The speaker encourages letting go of the need to do mindfulness perfectly and focusing on practicing self-compassion and honesty instead.
My guest this week is Dr. Joel Minden, a regular on the Think Act Be podcast. This time we switched roles and Joel interviewed me, mostly about my approach to therapy that I describe in my latest book, Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (affiliate link). This conversation is the first in a series of several episodes with Joel, so stay tuned for more to come.
Topics we touched on included:
The traditional approach in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Parallels between my religious practices as a kid and my early experiences with meditation
Mindfulness practice as more than another “technique” for feeling better
Allowing oneself to experience difficult emotions instead of trying to get rid of them
The challenge in not fighting against our experience
The manageability of the moment
How cognitive work can support mindfulness practice
Contentment that doesn't depend on one’s circumstances
Letting go of the struggle against the struggle
Feeling bad about “not being mindful enough”
My decision to self-disclose about my own struggles
The necessity of honesty in any healthy relationship
Humor in the context of mindfulness, and taking things less seriously
Mindfulness in action, and the value of finding stillness
Joel Minden, PhD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders.
He is the author of Show Your Anxiety Who’s Boss (affiliate link), founder of the Chico Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, diplomate of The Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, and lecturer in the Department of Psychology at California State University, Chico.
