There is no 'ultimate goal of therapy.' Thinking there is some ultimate or universal goal of therapy is one of the most fundamental errors of our field. To me, that concept is rather arrogant, as if therapists were some kind… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
A poor self-image is the magnifying glass that can transform a trivial mistake or an imperfection into an overwhelming symbol of personal defeat. — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
Most people do surprisingly poorly when dealing with a relative who is hurting, depressed, or anxious - we get defensive and try to solve… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
The first principle of cognitive therapy is that all your moods are created by your 'cognitions,' or thoughts. A cognition refers to the way… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
“In one sense, depression can feel even worse than cancer, because most cancer patients feel hope as well as self-esteem.” — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
More often than not, the belief that you are bad contributes to the "bad" behavior. Change and learning occur most readily when you (a)… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
I had the fear of heights when I was young, along with many other fears and phobias, including the fear of dogs, bees, horses,… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
“The attitude that depression is necessary strikes me as destructive, inhuman, and victimizing.” — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
“know about the brain's hardware and software. How does the firing of a nerve or a series of nerves get translated into a thought… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
“There was nothing dreadfully wrong with me, I was just upsetting myself with my irrational thinking. I just couldn't admit it until I knew… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
“Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
“And most important, nobody could love or relate to you. It would be impossible to feel any love for someone who was flawless and… — David D. Burns Copy Share Image
