Starting Point

A quick list of important things we have covered thus far.

I created this site while I was quite a few sessions into therapy. In this post, I want to capture the key points we have discussed so far – to the best of my recollection.

A very important theme in all of our sessions is awareness. I know what things I need to do or avoid to improve my mental outlook. The hard part is having that awareness precisely when it’s needed. If I am stressed out or overly busy, I may not have immediately realize that it’s time to do the things I know are helpful.

Chill and Accomplished

Can one be both chill and accomplished?

Initially, I thought these two things were at odds. As I continue to reflect, I believe it’s possible, requires a certain perspective and – sounds like an amazing way to be! I am sure that I appear to be chill and accomplished. That conjures an image of a duck: serene and smooth above the surface where people can see but kicking like hell under the surface. The question isn’t about appearing chill and accomplished: it’s about being that way.

Cognitive Distortions

He introduced me to cognitive distortions. I highly recommend reading through this list of cognitive distortions [PDF], adapted from Feeling Good - The New Mood Therapy from David D. Burns, MD. Some of the descriptions of cognitive distortions really hit home – others, not so much.