Behavior Quote by Steven C. Hayes
“Antidepressant medications, you still have some depressive thoughts. Antipsychotic medications, you still have some psychotic symptoms for the vast majority of the people taking them. But it gives them a little separation, and it doesn't control his behavior as much when you have a sad feeling, difficult thought, an odd perceptual experience. We can teach people those exact skills in therapy, you get longer-term benefits and without the side effects. So don't be sold just because a commercial interest wants to sell you things.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on psychotherapy and medication, 2015
Medication can reduce symptoms but often leaves residual thoughts; therapy teaches lasting skills without side effects.
In simple terms: Therapy offers lasting mental health skills beyond drugs.
Prioritize skill‑building therapy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- patient counseling
- self‑management
- relapse prevention
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate therapeutic skills into daily life?
- What barriers prevent you from seeking therapy?
Therapy requires time, effort, and patient motivation, which may be challenging.