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Rebecca, age 40, has been mildly depressed for years.

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A series of failed relationships and an unfulfilling job have contributed to her general feelings

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of low self-esteem and low expectations for the future

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Things got a lot worse recently when her teen-aged daughter began dating and Rebecca realized

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that she resented the fact that her daughter was out having fun while Rebecca sat home alone.

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This prompted her to join a therapy group that was focused on persistent mild depression.

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At each treatment session, Rebecca and the other group members each describe one recent negative event

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and then explain how they felt at the time and how they interpreted the event later.

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After listening carefully to the event and interpretation,

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the therapist tries to point out the logical inconsistencies in the interpretations.

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For example, when Rebecca’s daughter left on a date, Rebecca felt worthless, and remembered thinking

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that she was such a terrible person that no one would ever be interested in her again.

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The therapist pointed out that the event (being alone one night)

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didn’t justify the interpretation (she was worthless and could never change).

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The therapist then helped Rebecca to practice a different way of thinking that emphasized the positive aspects of her life.

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Rebecca’s therapy appears to be working. She still has moments of doubt and anxiety,

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but she feels better about herself and her relationship with her daughter.