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No More Mr. Negative

The New York Times recently ran an article discussing the origins of, and cures for, negative thinking. We are, the article postulates, "built to over learn from negative experiences... and under learn from positive ones" as an effective way of avoiding saber tooth tigers, and more recently, poisonous plants and wasp nests. Most of this, though, is now maladaptive behavior. One psychologist cautions that merely trying NOT to worry is precisely the wrong approach, saying "worry and obsessions get worse when you try to control your thoughts." Think Pink Elephants. Now, don't. They go on to suggest mindfulness and acceptance as effective techniques, and offer another piece of advice: Actively FIND the positive.

To read the article, see http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/03/well/mind/the-year-of-conquering-negative-thinking.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fwell&_r=0. For more on Worry, see http://www.abct.org/Information/?m=mInformation&fa=fs_WORRY; for more on obsessions, see http://www.abct.org/Information/?m=mInformation&fa=fs_OBSESSIVE_COMPULSIVE; to find a CBT Therapist, see http://www.findcbt.org/xFAT/; and to learn more about the therapeutic experience and how you can benefit from it, see http://www.abct.org/Information/?m=mInformation&fa=fs_GUIDELINES_CHOOSING

Photo courtesy of Pedro Ribeiro Simões, modified by Sertion.

Cory Newman details some of the ways that therapists might help those suffering from substance abuse recover. Therapists first need to know where the user in his, or her, recovery and tailor treatment to fit that stage. He suggests that CBT can be combined with other approaches for maximum effects, combining self-help skills taught be CBT with pharmacology to reduce craving and adding a touch of 12-step support. The CBT aspects include teaching coping skills to replace a reliance on self-medication; avoiding high-risk situations; and removing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. For more on this wonderfully detailed plan, see: Substance Misuse

David DiLillo is our most recent featured mentor. Among the things we heard was "listen," "help them discover" their own goals, and "Play to your mentees' strengths while challenging them to grow in new areas." Read the whole interview...

ABCT's Academic Training and Education Standards Committee is currently soliciting nominations for the Spotlight on a Mentor program. The purpose of the Spotlight on a Mentor program is to highlight the diversity of excellent research mentors within the membership ranks of ABCT. Its goal is to spotlight promising early career mentors in addition to well-established mentors across all levels of academic rank, areas of specialization, and type of institution. Anyone who wishes to nominate a mentor may do so by responding to the questions in the attached document. Please send completed nominations by May 1st to [email protected].

Nominate a Mentor.