Upcoming Workshops The Cognitive Distortion Starter Kit With David Burns, MD A One-Day Workshop on May 5, 2021 Click here for more information including registration! 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM West Coast Time: 7 CE Credits   Bringing TEAM-CBT to Life in Real Time Two Live Therapy Demonstrations with Drs. David Burns and Jill Levitt REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 5:30 PM PACIFIC TIME ON SATURDAY 5/15/21. NO EXCEPTIONS. Live Online Workshop with David Burns, MD and Jill Levitt, Ph.D. Click here for more information including registration! May 16, 2021 | 7 CE hours. $135 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM West Coast Time   Binoy asks: How does one know that a thought is a good one or a bad one? Or put in another way, how do I know if my fortune telling thought is really a fortune telling one? What is the basis? Binoy also asks: Is there something called “objective truth” that we can all agree on? Kristina asks: I have been labeled codependent in therapy. Is it a true label? . . . Do you believe in highly sensitive or empathetic people that can feel others energy? Fabrice asks: What do you think about this definition of the “self?” Don asks: Is TEAM as effective as you say? Binoy asks: I live in an Arab country and some of the things on your list of Shame-Attacking Exercises could get me arrested. Is there a better way to overcoming anxiety? * * * Binoy asks: Hi David, I just listened to podcast 079: “What's the Secret of a "Meaningful" Life? Live Therapy with Daisy." One of the questions that came across my mind is, how does one know if a negative thought is a good one or a bad one? Or put in another way, how do I know if my fortune telling thought is really a fortune telling distortion? What is the basis? Hi Binoy, thanks! Excellent question I might address on a future Ask David podcast. However, I would need you to give me a specific example of a thought you want help with. Specifics typically lead to illumination, whereas abstract thoughts sometimes lead to endless pontification. Binoy also asks: “Hi David, I did listen to the podcast #20 on “The Truth About Antidepressants.” I wish everyone agreed that there is something called objective truth. This is a question about truth or the existence of objective truth. Is the popular ideology that there is nothing called objective truth (everything is relative) correct? How can we talk about truth in a way that will help us be on the same page? So, I hope to hear from you again! Hi Binoy, this is also an abstract question, best answered through specific examples. For example, I can explain the concept of controlled outcome studies to test a drug against placebo, but even there you can find lots of ways to challenge any scientific study. We can also talk about distorted negative thoughts that trigger negative feelings like depression and anxiety. These thoughts are not really true. but we always focus on one specific thought at a time, and only from someone asking for help. I do not pontificate about “truth” in some abstract sense! All the best, david * * * Kristina asks: I have been labeled as codependent in therapy. Is it a true label? Hi Dr. Burns, Thank you so much for all your services and help that you offer Dr. Burns. It has been life changing and I’m just starting to help myself out of this anxiety and depression. I wanted to ask how you feel about the terms, codependency and boundaries. I have been labeled codependent in therapy and is it a true label? Do you believe in highly sensitive or empathetic people who can feel others’ energy? Thanks again for all you do! Thank you, Kristina   Hi Kristina, I had to look up the term. According to dictionary.com, someone who is codependent “is in a relationship in which one person is physically or psychologically addicted, as to alcohol or gambling, and the other person is psychologically dependent on the first in an unhealthy way.” David and Rhonda can mention: the “codependency” and compulsion to “help” or “rescue” that often gets therapists i