Not sure if this is the same as going to a psychologist or if a cognitive
behavioral therapist is in actuality a psychologist in sheep's clothing but
it sounds basically the same to me.  Looking at things new ways in which
perhaps old ways have become stressful?  He perhaps needs to learn to
desensitize himself from tasks at hand?  Perhaps he needs to take an
antianxiety medication or something like Paxil?  Has he ever tried anything
like that or thought of it, Deb?

Deb,
I myself have never herd of cognitive therapy.  I was told I have
cognitive probablms.  If you find out anything please let me know also.
(((((((hugs))))))
Melody

I only have a minute to respond as I am running out the door, but I wanted
to weigh in on this one. I was trained in doing CBT, although I have not
used it much yet as I am working more in the public policy sector these days
rather than doing counseling. It has been shown to be really effective,
especially when combined with medication. It is a very hands on/proactive
approach to therapy where a person is taught how one's thoughts, emotions
and behavior are all integrally connected and each affect the other. It is a
two front approach. One, in therapy we work on behavior -- sometimes it is
just scheduling pleasant activities that you would otherwise neglect to do,
or implement other positive behaviors into your daily routine. The premise
behind that is, often once you act it, you feel it. It's why they say if you
want to be happy smile and the feeling will come. Now, that is way
oversimplified and obviously doesn't work alone. There is then the cognitive
part - this is the part I find most helpful. It is learning to cue into
those automatic thoughts the flash across our minds that bring on negative
emotions. For example, if you are given a task at work and find yourself
feeling overwhelmed or depressed, there was probably a thought that flashed
through your mind that caused that feeling (e.g. "I'll never get this done."
"I am worthless."  "I'll fail."). Most of the time we don't even pay
attention to these thoughts - only the feelings they produce. One part of
therapy is learning to identify them and then pulling apart what these
thoughts really say about your view of yourself, others and the world. Then
there is a process of evaluating how realistic these thoughts/beliefs are
(evidence for or against it). The therapy involves other stuff too -
brainstorming, problem solvine, etc.... I wish I could go into more detail.
It is not usually the type of therapy where you hash out your childhood
demons, etc... it is much more present focused. Yet, most therapists I know
use a combo of techniques these days. I hope this helps. I gotta go - I am
going to be late for work. Let me know if you have any questions!

Steph

PS - I was in CBT myself at one time and found it very beneficial - it is
one thing that got me into psychology.