Posted by gardenergirl on March 26, 2004, at 23:56:13
In reply to Re:Re:Its all easier than we think at first... » DaisyM, posted by 64Bowtie on March 26, 2004, at 18:34:17
Rod,
I just have to jump in here. I believe feelings can be as adaptive as rational thinking. Perhaps this is a gendered phenomenon example, but ever meet someone you just *knew* was a creep and then later have that gut feeling validated? Ever feel fear or extra vigilance when walking down a dark alley alone at night in a less familiar part of town? Ever get that nagging anxiety that you are supposed to be somewhere else, and then you check your planner and realize you have a meeting in 5 minutes?All of these are instances where a feeling, physical or affective provided valuable information that your thoughts may not have been able to produce. Gavin DeBecker (sp?)a security expert, wrote a wonderful book on safety which highlights the value of fear responses in protecting your personal safety.
One of the reasons I really like Process-experiential therapy is that it helps the client find and experience maladaptive feelings, like transferential anger, phobias, etc. and examines the cognitive schemas associated with the feelings. Through experiential and meaning work, the client can construct new cognitive-affective schemes which are adaptive and integral to efficient and effective functioning. I have found this to be a more flexible approach, when sometimes maladaptive cognitions seems to be the focal point, and sometimes emotions are the focal point. But working within this model highlights the value of both cognition and affect. In fact, they are intrinsically linked in the brain, according to the authors (Greenburg and Elliot).
I think people gravitate to various theories based on their individual styles, histories, strengths, and issues. I truly do not believe in one model fits all. Both therapists and clients seem to work best with different models based on what they bring to the equation. I often get bugged when reading about different models that presume to be "the" answer.
Regards,
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:328600
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040321/msgs/328938.html