Influence Awareness: Why I Dislike CBTs

Hey guys! Let's dive into something I've been thinking a lot about lately: influence awareness, particularly in the context of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBTs). Now, I know CBT is like, the golden child of therapy for many people, and it has helped a ton of folks. But I've also got some serious reservations about it, and I think it's super important to be aware of the potential downsides and the ways influence can play a role in these therapeutic settings. So, let's get into it!

Understanding Influence Awareness

Influence awareness is really about understanding how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped, not just by our own internal workings, but also by external factors. This includes everything from the media we consume and the people we interact with, to the very systems and structures we live within. In therapy, influence awareness means being conscious of how the therapist, the therapeutic techniques, and even the theoretical framework itself can influence our perceptions and experiences. Why is this so important? Well, because without this awareness, we might end up internalizing beliefs or adopting behaviors that aren't truly aligned with our values or needs. — Times Leader Martins Ferry: News & Community Insights

When we talk about influence awareness, it's crucial to recognize that influence isn't always a bad thing. In fact, positive influence is essential for growth and development! Think about the teachers who inspired you, the friends who supported you, or the mentors who guided you. These people exerted influence on your life in a positive way, helping you to become a better version of yourself. However, influence becomes problematic when it's exerted unconsciously, coercively, or in a way that undermines our autonomy. This is where the critical lens on CBT comes in.

For example, consider the prevalent narrative in many self-help circles that emphasizes individual responsibility for mental health. While personal agency is undoubtedly important, an overemphasis on it can obscure the systemic factors that contribute to distress, such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to resources. If we're not aware of these broader influences, we might end up blaming ourselves for situations that are largely beyond our control. This is where influence awareness acts as a protective factor, allowing us to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid falling into the trap of self-blame.

Another aspect of influence awareness is understanding the power dynamics inherent in any relationship, especially therapeutic ones. The therapist, by virtue of their training and expertise, holds a position of authority. While this authority can be used to facilitate healing and growth, it can also inadvertently lead to the imposition of the therapist's values or beliefs onto the client. A therapist who is not mindful of their own biases and assumptions might unintentionally steer the client in a direction that is not truly in their best interest. This is why it's so crucial for therapists to engage in ongoing self-reflection and to be transparent about their theoretical orientations and therapeutic approaches.

Ultimately, influence awareness is about empowering ourselves to make informed choices about our lives and our well-being. It's about recognizing that we are not simply passive recipients of external forces, but active agents who can shape our own destinies. By cultivating this awareness, we can navigate the complexities of human relationships and social systems with greater clarity and intentionality.

My Issues with CBT: A Personal Perspective

Okay, so here's where I get a bit more personal. I hate CBT, and I'm not afraid to say it! My reasons are multifaceted, but they all boil down to this: I feel like CBT often overlooks the bigger picture, focusing too much on individual thoughts and behaviors while neglecting the social, cultural, and systemic influences that shape our experiences. This isn't to say CBT is always bad, but I've seen it used in ways that feel incredibly invalidating and even harmful.

One of my main gripes with CBT is its tendency to pathologize normal human emotions. CBT often encourages us to identify and challenge "negative" thoughts, with the goal of replacing them with more "positive" ones. But what if those "negative" thoughts are a perfectly reasonable response to a messed-up situation? What if feeling angry or sad is actually a healthy and appropriate reaction to injustice or loss? CBT's emphasis on thought restructuring can sometimes feel like we're being told to gaslight ourselves, to deny our own lived experiences in favor of a more palatable narrative. This is especially problematic when dealing with issues like trauma, discrimination, or systemic oppression. Trying to think positively when you're facing genuine adversity can feel not only inauthentic but also deeply invalidating.

Another issue I have with CBT is its individualistic focus. CBT often frames mental health challenges as individual problems with individual solutions. While it's true that individual coping strategies are important, this approach can neglect the social and environmental factors that contribute to our well-being. For example, if someone is struggling with depression due to financial insecurity or lack of social support, simply changing their thought patterns is unlikely to solve the problem. In these cases, a more holistic approach that addresses both individual needs and systemic issues is essential. CBT alone may fall short of providing the necessary support and resources for genuine healing and growth.

Furthermore, I worry about the potential for CBT to be used as a tool for social control. By focusing on individual thoughts and behaviors, CBT can inadvertently reinforce existing power structures and inequalities. If people are taught to internalize their problems and blame themselves for their struggles, they may be less likely to challenge the systems and institutions that are contributing to their distress. This is why it's so crucial to approach CBT with a critical eye, recognizing its limitations and potential for misuse. We need to ensure that therapeutic interventions are empowering and liberating, rather than serving to maintain the status quo.

For instance, consider the workplace. If an employee is feeling stressed and overwhelmed due to unrealistic workloads and a toxic work environment, a CBT therapist might focus on helping them manage their stress and reframe their thoughts about work. While these strategies may provide some temporary relief, they don't address the underlying issues of overwork and workplace toxicity. In fact, by focusing on individual coping mechanisms, CBT might inadvertently enable the employer to continue exploiting their employees without addressing the systemic problems that are causing the stress in the first place. — Comal County Crime: Latest Arrests & Local News

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Therapy

So, what's the answer? I'm not saying we should ditch therapy altogether. I just think we need to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking. We need to be aware of the influences at play, both within ourselves and in the therapeutic relationship. This means asking questions, challenging assumptions, and advocating for our own needs.

Critical thinking in therapy involves questioning the underlying assumptions and values of the therapeutic approach being used. It means considering whether the techniques and strategies being employed are truly aligned with our goals and values. It also means being aware of the potential for power imbalances in the therapeutic relationship and taking steps to ensure that our voices are heard and respected. By engaging in critical thinking, we can avoid blindly accepting therapeutic interventions and instead, actively participate in shaping our own healing journey.

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking in therapy is understanding the theoretical framework that informs the therapist's approach. Different therapeutic orientations, such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy, are based on different assumptions about the nature of human suffering and the process of healing. By understanding these underlying assumptions, we can better evaluate whether a particular therapeutic approach is a good fit for our needs and preferences. For example, if we believe that our problems are rooted in early childhood experiences, we might prefer a psychodynamic approach that focuses on exploring the past. On the other hand, if we are more interested in developing practical coping strategies for current challenges, CBT might seem like a more suitable option.

Another key component of critical thinking is recognizing the limitations of any single therapeutic approach. No single form of therapy is a panacea for all mental health challenges. In fact, research suggests that the most effective therapeutic interventions are often those that integrate elements from different approaches. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various therapeutic modalities, we can make more informed decisions about our own care. We might choose to work with a therapist who is trained in multiple approaches or to combine therapy with other forms of support, such as medication, mindfulness practices, or peer support groups.

Critical thinking also involves being mindful of our own biases and beliefs. We all bring our own unique perspectives and experiences to the therapeutic process. These perspectives can shape how we interpret our problems and how we respond to therapeutic interventions. By being aware of our own biases, we can avoid inadvertently sabotaging our therapy or making decisions that are not in our best interest. For example, if we have a strong belief that medication is the only effective treatment for mental illness, we might be less open to exploring other options, such as therapy or lifestyle changes. By acknowledging our biases, we can create space for new perspectives and possibilities. — Stater Bros Weekly Ad: Your Guide To Savings

Finding What Works for You

Ultimately, the goal is to find what works for you. This might mean CBT, it might mean something else entirely, or it might mean a combination of approaches. The most important thing is to be informed, be empowered, and be your own advocate. Don't be afraid to question things, to seek out different perspectives, and to trust your own intuition.

The therapeutic landscape is vast and diverse, with a wide range of approaches and modalities available. From traditional talk therapies like CBT and psychodynamic therapy to more experiential approaches like art therapy and music therapy, there is something out there for everyone. The key is to explore your options, research different approaches, and find a therapist who resonates with you. Don't be afraid to try different things until you find a good fit. Remember, therapy is a deeply personal process, and what works for one person might not work for another.

In addition to traditional therapy, there are also many alternative and complementary approaches to mental health care that can be beneficial. These include things like mindfulness meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. While these approaches may not be right for everyone, they can be valuable tools for managing stress, improving mood, and promoting overall well-being. It's important to do your research and consult with a qualified healthcare professional before trying any new treatment or intervention.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a therapist is the therapeutic relationship. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client is one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. A good therapeutic relationship is characterized by trust, empathy, and mutual respect. It's a relationship where you feel safe, understood, and supported. If you don't feel a strong connection with your therapist, it might be worth considering finding someone else. Remember, you are the consumer in this relationship, and you have the right to choose a therapist who feels like a good fit for you.

So, guys, that's my take on influence awareness and why I have a, shall we say, complicated relationship with CBT. I hope this has given you some food for thought, and encouraged you to be a more critical consumer of therapy and mental health information. Keep questioning, keep learning, and keep advocating for yourselves!