This statement says a lot about how I work. I am primarily a cognitive behavioral therapist. CBT means that I won’t be a ‘silent partner’ in your growth who sits in silence with you except for the occasional question of “how do you feel?”
We both know how you feel – sad, depressed, angry, anxious, confused, lonely, and so forth. If you felt good you wouldn’t be coming to see me! Feelings are important; however, I also want to know “what are you thinking?” What are the negative thoughts that prevent you from living the life you that you want?
I believe that what we think causes what we feel and determines our behavior:
Thoughts > Emotions > Behavior