FEELINGS VS THOUGHTS (FINDING THE BALANCE)

In CBT, both FEELINGS & THOUGHTS matter. But it’s easy to lean too far in one direction.

Sometimes we let our emotions completely take the lead. For example, if you feel anxious before a social event & decide not to go BECAUSE of that FEELING, you get short-term relief but long-term, your anxiety grows stronger.

In CBT we’d VALIDATE the emotion.
“It’s understandable I feel anxious”

But then check in with our thoughts.
“What’s the evidence I can’t cope?”

The aim is to act in line with your VALUES, not just your temporary emotions.
——————
Other times, we do the opposite we OVERTHINK & DISCONNECT from how we feel. You might rationalise everything, analyse your mood, or try to “figure out” your emotions LOGICALLY INSTEAD OF FEELING THEM. This often happens in depression or burnout, where thinking becomes a way of avoiding pain.

CBT helps you notice when you’re stuck in your head & guides you back into the moment to NAME, FEEL, & PROCESS what’s actually there.

Healthy change happens when we give BOTH our thoughts & feelings a voice not letting either one take over.