In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with Mike Christensen, a counselor, trainer, and expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), about how our thoughts and beliefs influence how we feel, what we do, and ultimately, our ability to learn and perform. Mike and I discuss a range of CBT tools and techniques that are not only valuable to therapists and their patients, but can be used in any situation in which people might need to rethink things or change beliefs in order to learn or perform better. We also discuss how to use "deliberate practice" to improve at providing therapy, coaching, and beyond.

KEY TOPICS:

In our conversation, Mike and I discuss a range of topics, including:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and how what we think determines how we feel
The difference between CBT and positive thinking
David Burns’ new “TEAM” model of providing therapy and coaching
The importance of measuring outcomes
Why empathy is a necessary but not sufficient condition for change
Overcoming resistance to change
A bunch of techniques to help you untwist your thinking
The importance of deliberate practice and feedback in improving
Positive reframing
A whole lot more…

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Mike Christensen. MACP, RCC, ACS serves as the Director of Professional Development at the Feeling Good Institute. He is a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. His diverse background in business, community organizations, and family support roles has provided Mike with a wide array of experience in leadership, administration, parenting training, and team building. He is a Certified Level 5 Master TEAM CBT Therapist and Trainer and is the Director of Feeling Good Institute Canada. He provides advanced level online training with the Feeling Good Institute for therapists around the world and is the co-author of “Deliberate Practice for TEAM CBT" with Dr. Maor Katz, Dr. Tony Roussmaniere and Dr. Alez Vaz. Mike lives in Canada with his wife and daughters. He is an avid cyclist and former swim coach.

CONNECT WITH MIKE:

Email: mike@feelinggoodinstitute.com
Website: https://www.feelinggoodinstitute.com/find-cbt-therapist/mike-christensen
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-christensen-5555bb50

MENTIONS, REFERENCES, AND RESOURCES:

The Feeling Good Institute
TEAM-CBT
David Burns
Hines Ward on talent
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
The Cognitive Model
Cognitive appraisal: How we THINK determines how we FEEL
Cognitive distortions
Cognitive restructuring (thought challenging)
The cognitive triad (The CBT triangle)
Behavioral experiments
Exposure therapy
CBT vs. positive thinking
Two approaches to combating negative thoughts - counterattack and acceptance
Matthew May
Brian Johnson - Win or Learn
Aaron Beck
Testing (T)
Empathy (E)
Agenda-Setting/Assessment of Resistance (A)
Outcome vs. process resistance
Addictions as failed solutions
Methods (M)
"Examine the Evidence" technique
50 Techniques to Change Your Thinking
Therapy methods - behavioral, motivational, relational, cognitive, compassion-based, truth-based
The "Semantic" method
The "Best Friend/Double Standard" technique
Tools Not Schools of Therapy
The Recovery Circle
FGI Fast Track to Level 3 certification program
Deliberate practice
The Deliberate Practice of TEAM-CBT
Zone of proximal development (ZOPD)
Offering an "invitation" to a client
Sitting with "open hands"
"Multiple choice" empathy
Growth mindset - Why there's no such thing as "I can't do it."
Importance of high expectations
Facebook Live session with David Burns in which Mike failed
Learning from role models and anti-role models
Simone Biles failure
Reframing obstacles as opportunities

#13 - Mike Christensen on Leveraging Thinking To Your Advantage