Rebecca, age 40, has been mildly depressed for years.
A series of failed relationships and an unfulfilling job have contributed to her general feelings
of low self-esteem and low expectations for the future
Things got a lot worse recently when her teen-aged daughter began dating and Rebecca realized
that she resented the fact that her daughter was out having fun while Rebecca sat home alone.
This prompted her to join a therapy group that was focused on persistent mild depression.
At each treatment session, Rebecca and the other group members each describe one recent negative event
and then explain how they felt at the time and how they interpreted the event later.
After listening carefully to the event and interpretation,
the therapist tries to point out the logical inconsistencies in the interpretations.
For example, when Rebecca’s daughter left on a date, Rebecca felt worthless, and remembered thinking
that she was such a terrible person that no one would ever be interested in her again.
The therapist pointed out that the event (being alone one night)
didn’t justify the interpretation (she was worthless and could never change).
The therapist then helped Rebecca to practice a different way of thinking that emphasized the positive aspects of her life.
Rebecca’s therapy appears to be working. She still has moments of doubt and anxiety,
but she feels better about herself and her relationship with her daughter.