The Devalue or Discredit step where one engages in a rational dialogue with the irrational idea or fear, talking back to the fear so to speak.
I have had some very productive sessions recently that clearly illustrate the importance and power of accurate Step 1 work – that is, “Labeling” negative thoughts or feelings one is experiencing – and labeling them accurately.
I have been telling clients lately that their fearful thoughts, whether a part of generalized anxiety or OCD, are triggered automatically by the fear centers in the brain…