The Hidden Treasure

Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Psychology

A Shift In Perspective Can Reduce Stress

Written By: Vic Rebman Ph.D - Jul• 12•17
Contemplation #23

The Power of Parables

There are now over 500 controlled clinical studies which demonstrate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating a wide variety of psychological problems. I’ve already mentioned in previous posts how CBT is recognized as the Goldstar treatment for depression and anxiety. It is based on a very simple principle: change the way you think and you change the way you feel.

One fascinating areas of study in CBT deals with cognitive styles. A cognitive style is an habitual way in which we filter information and draw conclusions about life experiences. One very powerful and influential cognitive style deals with perceived control. Individuals who have an “external locus of control” tend to believe that the experiences in their life are primarily driven by external factors, such as how others perceive or treat them, the economy, genetics etc. On the other hand, individuals with an “internal locus of control” tend to attribute responsibility for the quality of their life to internal factors, such as how they chose to think about and respond to the events of their life.

It should be of no surprise that individuals with a strong internal locus of control are less susceptible to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. After all, such individuals tend to display more cognitive flexibility; they adjust their perceptions to maximize positive outcomes.  They recognize that there’s often little they can do to change what happens out in the world, but they can always change the way they think about it. They have discovered the most powerful tool available for reducing stress: change the way you think.

Some of the most powerful shifts in perspective come to us come through the parables of Jesus. His stories are among the most famous in the entire world and stand the test of time. After all, who has not heard of “a good Samaritan” or “the prodigal son.”  Jesus’ stories are entertaining and at the same time challenging and confrontational. They have a way of entertaining the conscious mind, while challenging a deeper part of us to rethink priorities, values, and core beliefs. His stories challenge us to think about life from a new perspective, and open the door to emotional, behavioral, and spiritual change.

It was for this reason I chose to develop the Healing With Parables program. It is a spiritual based CBT program for treating anxiety and chronic stress. The program integrates contemporary CBT tools with meditations which are based on the parables of Jesus. It offers the user a way to learn CBT tools for reducing anxiety and stress, and grow spiritually at the same time. Anyone can learn to reduce their stress and anxiety with a good CBT based program. Change the way you think, and you change the way you feel. The power is within you!

Here’s a brief introductory video about my Healing With Parables CBT program:

Healing With Parables is available  for download in my online store:

http://rebmanconsulting.com

 

 

 

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