391: Ask David: Evolution of TEAM from CBT; Porn; Compulsive Liars; and More!

Evolution of TEAM from CBT Porn Compulsive Liars Angry Patients Who Resist Where's the App? and More! Note: The answers below were written by David prior to the podcast, just to give some structure to the discussion. Keep in mind that the actual live discussion by Rhonda, Matt and David will often go in different directions with different information and opinions. So, please listen to the podcast for the more complete answers!
Today's live discussion was especially fun and lively, so make sure you listen to the actual live podcast.
Questions for this Ask David Podcast
Stan asks if any of my early methods have been abandoned by newer and more effective methods as CBT evolved into TEAM. Stan asks if mild porn is harmful or helpful. Rima ask how you can deal with compulsive liars. Pretika asks what to do with patients who angrily resist positive reframing. Anonymous asks several questions about the Feeling Great App.
1. Stan asks about new approaches in TEAM for habits and addictions, as well the evolution of TEAM, as compared with the much earlier classical CBT. 2. Stan also asks if mild porno is helpful or harmful. Hi David.
I read in the eBook (I think it was) that you have radically changed your approach and have many new methods for Habits and Addictions.
I actually have many of your books such as:
Feeling Good Feeling Good Handbook When Panic Attacks Intimate Connections Feeling Good together Feeling Great eBook I wonder if you could please tell us in one of your Ask David podcasts which methods described in your earlier books you no longer recommend, because they have been superseded by more effective ones described in Feeling Great for example. I am sure there must be a lot of material that is still valid in those earlier books and which is not mentioned in Feeling Great. It would be great to know which ones you no longer recommend for the general public.
I also want to ask you about Porn Addiction. Do you think occasional mild porn use is harmful or beneficial?
I read in a BBC article that porn probably isn’t harmful for most men, and can even be positive for couples. For example, some couples start to engage in oral sex after seeing it on the internet. Porn seems a bit like alcohol, if you abuse it it will be bad for your health but if you don’t go for the strong stuff and don’t over use it, it could be OK. I think some people might misinterpret your references to porn addiction as being any kind and intensity of porn use. Maybe these people feel anxious and shameful for using it as a result. I would welcome your clarification on this issue.
Finally, even though I know you have heard it thousands, or hundreds of thousands of times, your work is having a really positive effect on my life. I am truly grateful for all that you do.
Thank you, David.
Warm regards
Stan
David’s Reply
Hi Stan, I can turn this into a couple Ask David questions for the podcast if you like.
There have been many upgrades of the therapy ideas and techniques over the years, as we develop greater understanding of how people change, and what works and what tends not to work. In addition, I would say that we develop new methods and ideas on a weekly basis. The TEAM models lends itself very nicely to evolution, perhaps one of the strong points.
I can speak in more detail on the podcast, but here are two ideas. First, I have come to appreciate more and more that all change in emotions comes from a reduction in belief in the negative thoughts that trigger negative feelings with few, if any, exceptions. In addition, any reduction in belief in negative thoughts will case an immediate reduction in the negative feelings that thought causes.
This insight angers many people who don’t really “get” it, so I don’t push it. I find that people sometimes do not take kindly to statements that challenge their sacred beliefs. A simple example would be jogging, or aerobic exercise. Some people believe on faith or personal experience that exercise has a mood elevating effect due to release of endogenous “endorphins” in the brain, and many even claim that exercise is the most effective antidepressant known.
While some people do experience a mood lift after strenuous exercise, I believe this is due to the change in their thoughts, telling themselves and believing that this is going to be good for the health and outlook. So that thought can have potent effects on mood. I can describe some experiments on exercise and mood.
Second, I have tilted much further in the direction of appreciating the existence and power of resistance in all emotional and behavioral problems, and the often magical power of the new resistance-melting techniques I’ve developed in opening the door to the possibility of rapid and dramatic change.
I’m also very aware of the therapy wars, predicated on the belief that our group as THE answer and your group consists of...

[@nkosanankosii]

Where is the app??

[@cengizgullu4592]

where is the app?

[@snakedogman]

I don't get it, David keeps saying the app will be out in weeks, or should even be out already. But on the website you can still only sign up for the beta test and it says "we hope to roll out the commercial version this summer".

[@borsahbelarabi5117]

David how can I find a therapist that uses your treatment methods

[@jamiestahl5288]

everything going great until he said " Orange color" and everybody laughed. Except me. Dear Lord does every thing we hear or see have to be political? Thank you for letting us know just how political this message was!!

[@daviddbmd]

You're right. I try to keep politics out of the program because people have such differing points of view. But sometimes, I slip and give into temptation. Apologies! And thanks for speaking up.

[@stipriausias]

where is the app?

[@utdfortreble]

Where is the app??