David D. Burns

There is no standard 'therapeutic process,' since there are so many different schools of therapy.

— David D. Burns

“In one sense, depression can feel even worse than cancer, because most cancer patients feel hope as well as self-esteem.”

— David D. Burns

“It did not eliminate the tumor, but it did restore her missing self-esteem, and that made all the difference in the way…

— David D. Burns

You're not a bad person. But you sometimes do bad things. You know what that makes you? Human.

— David D. Burns

“I suspect you will find that a great many of your negative feelings are in fact based on such thinking errors.”

— David D. Burns

Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person.

— David D. Burns

I always wanted to see people's lives transformed from depression and anxiety to joy and peace.

— David D. Burns

Forgive yourself and be ready to forgive yourself in the future. You're gonna screw up. It's okay.

— David D. Burns

Guilt doesn't help. What should fill in for it? Remorse. Remorse is when you feel bad about what you did. Guilt is…

— David D. Burns

Cognitive therapy is a fast-acting technology of mood modification that you can learn to apply on your own. It can help you…

— David D. Burns

I'm all for 'tools,' not 'schools,' of therapy. To me, the schools of therapy compete much like religions, or even cults, all…

— David D. Burns

The stereotype of psychotherapy portrayed in popular books and movies is lying on the couch and saying whatever comes into your mind,…

— David D. Burns

A poor self-image is the magnifying glass that can transform a trivial mistake or an imperfection into an overwhelming symbol of personal…

— David D. Burns

Depression has been called the world's number one public health problem. In fact, depression is so widespread it is considered the common…

— David D. Burns

Every time you feel depressed about something, try to identify a corresponding negative thought you had just prior to and during the…

— David D. Burns

You're human. You'll screw up. Denying that is crazy. Forgiving yourself has all the benefits of self-esteem without making you a narcissist…

— David D. Burns

“The secret of successful treatment is not to become a perfect, shining star or to learn to be in complete control of…

— David D. Burns

“It would be nice if I could make my wife happy now because she seems upset. I can ask what she's upset…

— David D. Burns

What is the point of abusing yourself with guilt in the first place? If you did make a mistake and act in…

— David D. Burns

“For example, when a loved one dies, you validly think, "I lost him (or her), and I will miss the companionship and…

— David D. Burns

After all, this is how you learned how to walk. You didn't just jump up from your crib one day and waltz…

— David D. Burns

There is no 'ultimate goal of therapy.' Thinking there is some ultimate or universal goal of therapy is one of the most…

— David D. Burns

People who are prone to anxiety are nearly always people-pleasers who fear conflict and negative feelings like anger. When you feel upset,…

— David D. Burns

Powerful new drug-free treatments have been developed for depression and for every conceivable type of anxiety, such as chronic worrying, shyness, public…

— David D. Burns

Don't apologize for what you think you did wrong. Apologize for what they think you did wrong.

— David D. Burns

Assert your right to make a few mistakes. If people can't accept your imperfections, that's their fault.

— David D. Burns

I had the fear of heights when I was young, along with many other fears and phobias, including the fear of dogs,…

— David D. Burns

I've been interviewed for hundreds of magazine articles, and they come out incredibly goofy about 90 percent of the time.

— David D. Burns

Depression can seem worse than terminal cancer, because most cancer patients feel loved and they have hope and self-esteem.

— David D. Burns

You feel the way you do right now because of the thoughts you are thinking at this moment.

— David D. Burns

Apologies do make a difference. Believe it or not, research shows people often prefer them over money.

— David D. Burns

Most people do surprisingly poorly when dealing with a relative who is hurting, depressed, or anxious - we get defensive and try…

— David D. Burns

When we're rational about rule-breaking we set a limit. You don't get 30 years in prison for a traffic ticket. But sometimes…

— David D. Burns

“Many research studies, as well as my own clinical experience, have confirmed that severely depressed patients who appear very "biologically" depressed with…

— David D. Burns

Can you predict the future with absolute certainty? Your answer must be no. You have two options: You can either decide to…

— David D. Burns

“Should statements based on the premise you are all-powerful assume that, like God, you are omnipotent and have the ability to control…

— David D. Burns

When two people respect each other, the ability to be vulnerable and to reveal hurt feelings can create a powerful emotional connection…

— David D. Burns

“my anger directed toward someone who has knowingly, intentionally, and unnecessarily acted in a hurtful manner?     2.   Is my anger useful? Does it…

— David D. Burns

“One of the most important tasks of any therapist is to help depressed patients find the courage and determination to resist and…

— David D. Burns

“And most important, nobody could love or relate to you. It would be impossible to feel any love for someone who was…

— David D. Burns