Session 2

Abstract

This chapter builds on work described in Chapter 4, on creative hopelessness. Specifically, the therapist will continue to focus clients’ attention on the effects and effectiveness of trying to control thoughts and feelings. Once clients are able to track the limited effectiveness of attempts to control thoughts and feelings, the therapist can segue into exploring if attempts to control thoughts and feelings not only do not work as expected but may even be detrimental to well-being (control as the problem). Several examples of exercises to illustrate this point are provided. Finally, the chapter describes how to begin a discussion of practicing acceptance or willingness as an alternative to control. This session is the first in which structured homework tasks are assigned, and, accordingly, details on how to collaboratively set behavioral goals are included.