506: Live Work with Ruben Part 2 of 2

508: A New Model for Treating Trauma

Jun 29, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, Dr. David Burns and Kevin Cornelius challenge the long-held assumption that healing from trauma requires patients to return to and relive their painful past. Dr. Burns argues that powerful, lasting recovery can occur by focusing exclusively on the present moment, specifically by identifying and transforming the distorted thoughts, beliefs, and fears that are active in a patient's life right now. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and structural equation modeling of patient data, Dr. Burns explains that digging into historical trauma is often unnecessary and, in some cases, can even hinder the therapeutic process. He shares compelling clinical stories—including one of a terminally ill patient and another of a Holocaust survivor—to demonstrate how quickly even severe emotional distress can dissipate once a patient identifies and reframes the specific negative self-talk driving their current struggle. The hosts emphasize that while modern therapy often prioritizes exposure techniques, a cognitive-focused approach allows individuals to achieve significant relief rapidly. This episode serves as a thoughtful exploration of how shifting the therapeutic lens to the here and now can empower individuals to dismantle the cognitive barriers that sustain their trauma.

507: Mastering the Daily Mood Log

Jun 22, 20261h 2mSummary

In episode 507 of the Feeling Good Podcast, Dr. David Burns and co-host Kevin Cornelius conduct a deep dive into the Daily Mood Log, a foundational tool of TEAM-CBT. While the hosts humorously acknowledge that the log’s mechanics may seem dry, they emphasize that mastering its details is essential for achieving profound, transformative shifts in mood, self-esteem, and anxiety. The episode outlines the step-by-step process of the Daily Mood Log, focusing on avoiding common pitfalls. A primary focus is the importance of specificity; rather than tackling abstract or sweeping life problems, participants are encouraged to identify one single, real moment in time when they felt distressed. The hosts explain that this fractal approach allows individuals to uncover the core negative thoughts and beliefs that drive their suffering, making the experience much more manageable and effective. The discussion also covers the critical necessity of measuring emotions through the nine categories of the mood log. The hosts address common resistance to this step, asserting that honesty in measurement is a form of respect and a prerequisite for clinical success. By following these structured principles, listeners are equipped to turn overwhelming negative experiences into specific, solvable challenges.

505: Live Work with Ruben: Part 1 of 2

Jun 8, 202645 minSummary

In episode 505 of the Feeling Good Podcast, Dr. David Burns and therapist Kevin Cornelius present the first half of a live, two-part session featuring Ruben, a clinician struggling with intense performance anxiety. Ruben courageously opens up about his fear of being perceived as a fraud or worthless when speaking in front of authority figures or those he deeply admires. The discussion highlights the cycle of perfectionism and self-doubt that often plagues high-achieving professionals. Ruben describes the physical symptoms of his anxiety, such as freezing or going blank, and his tendency to compulsively search for the perfect word to avoid judgment. Throughout the session, the hosts utilize the TEAM-CBT framework, specifically focusing on testing and empathy, to validate Ruben’s experience. They explore the roots of his approval addiction and the impact of his childhood experiences, while also acknowledging the connection between his high-pressure self-expectations and his professional achievements. This episode offers a raw, vulnerable look at how even highly capable individuals can hide their internal struggles and provides listeners with a profound look at the therapeutic process in real-time.

504: The Moment You're in Matters More Than the One You Remember

Jun 1, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, Dr. David Burns and host Kevin Cornelius challenge the traditional therapeutic belief that understanding one’s past is essential for overcoming anxiety and depression. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and modern data, Dr. Burns argues that emotional suffering is rooted in our present thoughts rather than past events. He posits that when individuals identify and dismantle the cognitive distortions fueling their current distress, they can achieve profound and rapid relief. Through compelling case studies, including the treatment of a terminally ill patient and individuals suffering from trauma, Dr. Burns demonstrates that the moment you are in matters significantly more than the one you remember. He explains that by addressing the specific, cruel, or untrue thoughts occurring in the present, patients can transform their emotional state almost immediately. The conversation also highlights the importance of relapse prevention, emphasizing that while negative thoughts may return, individuals can learn to permanently neutralize them through consistent application of cognitive techniques. Ultimately, the episode offers a hopeful message that emotional health is far more accessible and changeable than many have been led to believe.

503: Is It Time for a New Approach to Emotional Suffering

May 25, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, Dr. David Burns and host Kevin Cornelius explore the limitations and clinical relevance of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). While acknowledging that the DSM serves a valid purpose in structured research and helping some patients reduce the stigma associated with their suffering, the hosts argue that it often over-medicalizes normal human emotions. They discuss how labeling everyday feelings like anxiety or sadness as mental disorders can shift the focus toward medication-based approaches rather than effective, evidence-based psychotherapy. Dr. Burns shares his extensive research background, highlighting his surprising clinical findings that standard diagnostic procedures often fail to capture a patient's true emotional state or predict treatment outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of moving away from broad, arbitrary categories and instead focusing on individual symptom clusters and personal thought patterns. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to shift their perspective on healing, advocating for a more personalized, human-centered approach that prioritizes immediate relief and the practical resolution of the negative thoughts that drive emotional pain.

Starting in June: Get TEAM CBT Certified Fast (46 CEs)

May 19, 20261 minSummary

In this episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, the hosts explore the value of advanced clinical training for therapists looking to refine their professional expertise. The discussion centers on the comprehensive Fast Track to Level Three TEAM-CBT certification course, a specialized program designed to bridge the gap between traditional graduate education and the practical, high-level skills needed in a modern clinical setting. The hosts emphasize that this intensive training goes beyond theoretical knowledge, offering participants individual supervision and practical experience intended to significantly boost therapeutic efficacy. By focusing on advanced methodologies, the course aims to foster greater confidence in practitioners, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for their patients. Furthermore, the conversation highlights how these sophisticated communication skills often translate beyond the therapy room, positively impacting the therapist’s personal relationships and overall well-being. By engaging with these core concepts, listeners learn how committing to rigorous, ongoing professional development can transform their clinical practice and help them reach a higher standard of care in the field of mental health.

502: Ask David: Is High-Speed Change a "Quick Fix"?

May 18, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, Dr. David Burns and his colleagues address a common critique of cognitive behavioral therapy: is the goal of rapid symptom relief merely a superficial "quick fix"? Dr. Burns argues against the necessity of long-term exploration of the past, asserting that meaningful, lasting change can occur in a single session by targeting negative thoughts in the present. He discusses his experience treating severe trauma, including a case involving a Holocaust survivor, to illustrate how identifying and challenging specific negative thoughts can eliminate symptoms effectively. The discussion highlights new data from the Feeling Great app, which suggests that a patient's current psychological state is the primary driver of recovery, often rendering years of historical analysis unnecessary. The hosts also provide practical advice for listeners struggling with recurring anxiety, such as that of a college student facing social performance fears. Dr. Burns emphasizes that while cognitive tools are essential, they are only one part of a comprehensive approach that also includes motivational, exposure, and emotional methods. Ultimately, the episode serves as a strong advocate for evidence-based therapy that prioritizes measurable, high-speed recovery over traditional, open-ended talk therapy.