Should I continue the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

Question

My husband says that I'm more emotional about things since I started and he doesn't think it's a good idea to carry on.

Answer 1

IF you can afford it, I would encourage you to continue on with the therapy. It takes time and patience to see major results.
Please Patiently read this. Thank You.

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD., who is also a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist has a successful clinic in Mass. U.S.A.
He is also the author of the book, "Coming to
Our Sense." It is one of the first books I ever read on The Mindfulness of Breathing {which some call Mindfulness Meditation).
I'll lay out the simple self-help techniques of the Mindfulness of Breathing for you, which has helped me a great deal. Please Patiently read.
As we approach the stressors in our life with optimism, we effectively deal with stress, anger, anxiety, depression, worry, etc. successfully. I take 15 min. early in the morning, and 15 min. in the evening to practice a simple meditation called the mindfulness of breathing. [I also practice Analytical meditation for 15 min. a day; spoken of later].
Mindfulness of Breathing exercises:
1) Be in a comfortable position, whether sitting
or lying down.
2) Have someone watch your children for
about 15 min. [Increase in time gradually, after practicing for a month].
Then close your eyes, and concentrate
totally on your breathing.
3) At the end of your first inhalation of oxygen,
count one. Keep doing this until you get to Ten. Then start back at one. Remain patient with yourself.
4) Then focus your attention on breathing only
through your nostrils, which filter out all
the things, which are not healthy to breath
into your lungs. Be aware of the various
sensations through your nostrils, while you
continue the counting. When you get to
ten, start again at one.
5) When a distracting thoughts enters your mind
allow them to pass through {your mind], or judging them, or trying to fix them.
And then gently, patiently bring your full
attention back to your breath. Every time,
a distracting thought {any thought which
would take your attention of your breath),
comes to your mind, you need to use this
skillful, disciplinary method of bring it back.
Thoughts do come into our minds, especially
worrisome , or pressing thoughts
which indicate to us that we have an anxious mind.
Just be patient w/yourself, and keep practicing.
**"There is proven evidence of the
Success of The Mindfulness of Breathing
Exercises Proven by Dr. Jon Kabat-ZinnPhD
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. has a book
out called, "Coming to Our Senses' which
teaches this. The Mindfulness of Breathing
greatly help us to clearly see things as they really are, in order to act and react in a healthy manner toward people, and situations in life.
In Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's clinic in Mass. he teaches the mindfulness of breathing to his patients to help them greatly reduce pain, stress, anxiety, anger, depression, bipolar and adhd symptoms, worry, and many other mental/emotional ailments. Many people establish the practice of mindfulness, as a way of life for themselves. For some, who are very Analytical, and might have a difficult time calming down their mind, "analytical meditation" is probably geared more for them. This method of meditation is excellent for effectively dealing with pain, stress, & anger. Training in Patience: The meditation of observing our stress and anger involves paying close attention to the storyline behind stress and anger. We note the blood rushing to our head, our heart pounding, the emotional pain of hurt feelings, disappointment, & unfulfilled expectations. Simply observing these, “but Not reacting to them by clinging to them or pushing them away, we experience them as they are in the present. In doing so, we watch them arise And Cease in their own accord.” Mindfulness is very effective in letting go of Negative emotions. “Techniques in which we re-frame the situation constitute most of this volume, and they fall in the category of 'Analytical meditation, in which we investigate our thoughts, feeling, and perceptions to discern if they are accurate and beneficial. Changing the way we describe and interpret situations subdue stress, pain, anger because we stop exaggerating and projecting negativities onto people, situations, and objects.' In this way, the external event, its meaning, & our position in it appear to us differently, and our stress and anger evaporates.” Meditation on love and compassion{loving-kindness meditation], (which many do as form of walking meditation) strengthens these positive thoughts and emotions in our minds and hearts, which are beneficial because these thoughts and emotions act not only as antidotes to stress and anger, but also as measures preventing them from arising. So for some, mindfully observing their Thoughts and emotions allow stress and anger to subdue naturally, while for others, a more Analytical approach is necessary. Through investigation{introspection), we see clearly that stress and anger are states of mind that misapprehends their object {either the person or the situation). But remember, subduing stress & anger, to cultivate Patience properly is a slow and steady process. Don’t expect them to always disappear overnight. Reacting stressfully and in anger are deeply ingrained habits, & like all habits, it takes time to unlearn. “Meditation greatly helps us deal effectively with stress, and anger – to cultivate Patience and tolerance, resulting in Peace of Mind.
This “Patience” is the ability to remain internally calm, and undisturbed in the face of harm or difficulties. Through the situations in life which we are faced with, patience and wisdom are cultivated and stress-energy w/in us, and the anger-energy within us are slowly dissolved, resulting in peace of mind.

Answer 2

There's always some 'side effects' to what ever method of behaviour modification you choose to take. Perhaps CBT isn't the right one for you? If you are becoming too emotional then perhaps it's working too much on your cognitions and not eliminating the behaviours you wish to. How about trying Behaviour Therapy? Similar to CBT but without trying to change your cognitions..it's worth a try! Good Luck :)

Answer 3

There's nothing wrong with being more emotional, it's how you deal with the emotion that indicates whether the cognitive behaviour therapy is working or not.

Best wishes, J

Answer 4

I train my body for my sport and when I do new things my muscles hurt for a little while; getting old emotions out into the light of day with the help of your therapist will make things seem worse for a little while. You will know if it is doing you any good, change or learning anything new almost always comes with some anxiety. Hope this helps, look forward to hearing what you decide to do.

Answer 5

Careful with cognitive behaviour therapy. Trust your husband, seek alternative options, good luck x

Answer 6

I think this is normal to feel like this. Lets face it your dealing with something thats scary uncomfortable. You can always mention to your therapist about this. Just make sure that the therapist is registered. I had someone before that caused real damage to my whole family, only to find out after voluntarily leaving that they had sinister motives and was not even qualified to deal with my probs.
If you feel uncomfortable at all try another.
Good luck

Answer 7

Yes, you are probably thinking about life past and present differently to what you did previously, it is a shock to your system, and you need to give yourself time to get used to it. It is probably doing you good, I think you should tell your husband you would like to give it a bit more time. Hope things work out for you, good luck.

Answer 8

If you both agree, then give it up. If you feel you are getting something out of it, then carry on, but be aware of your emotional state.

Answer 9

If you feel that you are benefiting from it, then continue. its not up to your husband, its your choice