• 508: A New Model for Treating Trauma
    Jun 29 2026
    A New Model for Treating Trauma Do You Need to Revisit the Past to Heal Trauma? Episode Overview In this episode, David and Kevin explore a provocative idea: healing from trauma may not require revisiting the past at all. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and data-driven research, David challenges a core assumption in trauma therapy and explains why focusing on the present moment can lead to rapid and lasting change. Key Takeaways A Radical Shift in Trauma Treatment Traditional approaches often emphasize revisiting and "processing" past trauma.David argues that this may be unnecessary—and sometimes counterproductive.His clinical experience suggests trauma can often be resolved in a single session by focusing on current thoughts and feelings. The Power of the Present Moment Patients consistently want help with what's bothering them right now, not necessarily past events.Changing how someone feels in the present can dissolve the emotional impact of past trauma."The past is embedded in the present"—shift the present, and the past loses its grip. The Cognitive Model at Work Emotional suffering is driven not by events, but by thoughts about those events.When distorted thoughts are identified and challenged, emotional distress can rapidly disappear.This applies to trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. Data-Driven Insights Statistical modeling of patient data revealed that past emotional history does not predict recovery.In fact, including past data made predictive models less effective.Present-moment variables fully explained improvement. Powerful Clinical Stories Anne's Story (Terminal Cancer Diagnosis) Faced with a devastating diagnosis, Anne experienced severe depression.In a single session, her distorted thoughts (self-blame, guilt) were challenged.Her depression dropped from severe to zero—and did not return over the next two years. Trauma Workshop Demonstrations Across dozens of live demonstrations, participants with severe trauma experienced complete symptom relief within hours.Most work focused on present concerns—not revisiting traumatic memories. Latvian Survivor's Story A woman who survived Nazi-era trauma attempted suicide decades later.Her distress was tied not to past trauma, but to a belief: "I am worthless."Challenging that thought led to rapid recovery. Key Concepts Healthy vs. Unhealthy Negative Emotions Healthy: sadness, grief, concernUnhealthy: shame, guilt, worthlessnessTherapy aims to eliminate distorted, self-defeating emotions, not natural human feelings. Exposure Therapy—Used Selectively Exposure can be powerful, especially for anxiety.However, it's often not necessary for trauma recovery.David reports using it rarely in trauma cases. No One-Size-Fits-All Approach Effective therapy requires a toolbox of techniques, not rigid adherence to one method.TEAM-CBT emphasizes flexibility and rapid testing of what works. Practical Tools for Listeners Daily Mood Log: Identify and challenge negative thoughts in real timeCognitive Techniques: Learn to "crush" distorted thinking patternsSelf-Help Resources: Feeling Good by Dr. David Burns When Panic Attacks Dr. David Burns Feeling Great Dr. David Burns Feeling Great App: Free tool to practice these methods interactively Memorable Quote "The moment you stop believing a distorted thought is the moment your negative feelings disappear." Final Thoughts This episode offers a hopeful and empowering message: You may not need to relive your past to heal from it. By changing how you think and feel today, meaningful recovery can happen faster than you might expect. What's Coming Next Next episode: A deeper dive into trauma treatment using memory rescripting, including when revisiting the past can be helpful. Thanks for listening—see you next time! Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!
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    45 mins
  • 507: Mastering the Daily Mood Log
    Jun 22 2026
    Mastering the Daily Mood Log Small Details, Life-Changing Results Episode Summary The Daily Mood Log might seem simple—even boring—but its impact can be profound. In this episode, David and Kevin break down how to use this powerful CBT tool effectively, highlighting the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. They explain why focusing on a single specific moment is the key to emotional transformation, how to accurately identify feelings, and how to uncover the exact thoughts driving distress. This practical deep dive shows how small shifts in technique can lead to dramatic improvements in mood, confidence, and even what David calls "enlightenment." Step 1: Upsetting Event / Moment Identify one specific moment in time (not a general problem).Include details: Where were you?Who was there?What exactly happened? Common Mistakes: ❌ Being too vague: "My life is a mess"❌ Writing thoughts instead of events: "I'm not good enough"❌ Describing ongoing situations instead of a moment Example: ✔️ "At 3pm today, my boss criticized my report in a meeting." Step 2: Emotions Circle or list all emotions you feltRate each from 0–100% intensity Examples: Sad / Down – 60%Anxious / Nervous – 70%Ashamed – 50% Common Mistakes: ❌ Skipping this step❌ Not rating intensity❌ Thinking feelings can't be measured Why It Matters: Helps track progressImproves emotional awarenessIncreases accuracy and empathy Step 3: Negative Thoughts Write short, specific thoughts (1 sentence each)Focus on what you were telling yourself Examples: "I'm a failure.""There's something wrong with me.""I'll never succeed." Common Mistakes: ❌ Writing long paragraphs❌ Including events ("She rejected me")❌ Including feelings ("I feel terrible")❌ Writing questions ("Why am I like this?" → convert to statement) Tip: Work through emotions one at a time: "What thought caused my sadness?""What thought caused my anxiety?" Step 4: Positive Thoughts Generate thoughts that: ✅ Are 100% true✅ Reduce belief in the negative thought Examples: "I made a mistake in that meeting, but that doesn't define my entire ability.""One criticism doesn't mean I'm a failure." Common Mistakes: ❌ Cheerleading ("I'm awesome no matter what")❌ Irrelevant truths ("At least I can cook")❌ Statements you don't fully believe Key Insight: Truth alone isn't enough—it must directly challenge the negative belief. Step 5: Re-evaluate Belief in Negative Thought After generating positive thoughts, re-rate how much you believe the original thought Example: "I'm a failure" Before: 90%After: 0% Goal: Reduce belief as much as possible (ideally close to 0%) Why It Matters: Emotional change happens when belief in negative thoughts decreasesThe greater the reduction, the greater the relief Core Principle Change one moment → understand the pattern → apply it everywhere. Memorable Quotes "We're not fishing for small improvements—we're going after the big fish.""I can't help you with your whole life, but I can help you with one moment.""The truth—not positive thinking—is what sets you free.""Without measuring feelings, therapists are mostly guessing." Practical Exercise Try this today: (Download a blank Daily Mood Log at this link) Write down one upsetting momentRate your feelings (0–100%)List 3–5 short negative thoughtsChallenge one thought with a 100% true alternative Who This Episode Is For Therapists using CBT or TEAM-CBTAnyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-doubtListeners who want practical, structured tools for change Connect & Learn More Read Dr. Burns' latest articles on Psychology TodayExplore more tools and resources at FeelingGood.comLearn about TEAM-CBT training and techniques If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, sharing the podcast, or leaving a review. It helps more people discover tools for overcoming depression and anxiety. Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 506: Live Work with Ruben Part 2 of 2
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 505: Live Work with Ruben: Part 1 of 2
    Jun 8 2026
    Live Work with Ruben: Part 1 of 2 Working with Performance Anxiety in Real Time Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guests: Dr. Jill Levitt Ruben Land In this live work from a recent Tuesday Group, we had the opportunity to work with Ruben, a highly capable and thoughtful clinician, who brought a struggle that many therapists quietly share: intense performance anxiety in evaluative situations, especially in the presence of authority figures or people he deeply admires. What made this work especially powerful is that Ruben was actively experiencing anxiety in the moment, allowing us to "get in the car with him" rather than talk about the problem abstractly. We began, as always in TEAM-CBT, with Testing. Ruben had completed a Brief Mood Survey, which showed relatively low baseline symptoms—just mild anxiety and minimal depression or anger. However, when we reviewed his Daily Mood Log, anchored to a specific situation (leading a group under supervision), we saw a very different picture: anxiety at 70%, feelings of inferiority and defectiveness at 80%, embarrassment at 70%. This contrast highlights a core principle: symptoms are often situational and state-dependent, and without anchoring in a specific moment, we risk missing the true intensity of the problem. From there, we moved into Empathy, where Jill did a beautiful job modeling the Five Secrets of Effective Communication. She captured Ruben's internal experience with precision: the pressure to perform, the fear of saying the wrong thing, the spiral of anxiety leading to cognitive blanking, and the secondary anxiety about appearing anxious. She also identified both the internal loop ("I'm anxious about being anxious") and the interpersonal fears ("they'll think I'm a fraud," "I'm wasting their time"). David complemented this with curiosity and gentle inquiry, helping to deepen the conceptualization without getting lost in theory. Importantly, we conducted an empathy check, asking Ruben to grade us on thought empathy, feeling empathy, and warmth. He gave A+ ratings across the board, with a slight adjustment on thought empathy when he introduced an additional element: a compulsive need to check and recheck, suggesting a subtle OCD-like process. This moment is critical—without the empathy check, we would have missed an important maintaining factor. Only after strong empathy did we move into Agenda Setting, which is often the most counterintuitive and transformative part of TEAM-CBT. David began with the Invitation, asking whether Ruben wanted help or more support. Ruben was ready to "roll up his sleeves," which is essential—no imposed agenda. Then we used the Miracle Question to clarify goals: Ruben wanted to feel less anxious, maintain fluency, and stay present in high-stakes situations. Next came the Magic Button, targeting outcome resistance. When asked if he would eliminate all his negative feelings, Ruben said no—he wanted to keep some anxiety. This is exactly what we hope for. It opens the door to Positive Reframing, where we honor the symptoms rather than pathologize them. Together, we identified numerous positive values and benefits of his anxiety and self-doubt: Anxiety motivates preparation and effort It enhances connection through vulnerability It reflects caring deeply about others and their time Feelings of inadequacy keep him humble and growth-oriented Fear of judgment protects him and signals high standards Even the thought "I might be a fraud" reflects a desire to be authentic and competent At one point, Ruben articulated that his anxiety shows he values others and wants to contribute meaningfully—this is a profound reframe. Jill and David reinforced these insights, helping him see that his "symptoms" are actually expressions of his values system in action. We also explored a key factor: his anxiety is amplified in performative, evaluative contexts, especially with authority figures, and is less intense in vulnerable, non-evaluative settings. This distinction is clinically crucial and guides both conceptualization and intervention. Another powerful moment came when Ruben acknowledged that self-disclosure reduces his anxiety, supporting the idea that "shame requires secrecy." When he hides his anxiety, it intensifies; when he shares it, it softens. This is both a therapeutic tool and a treatment target. After thoroughly addressing resistance, we moved into Goal Setting, asking Ruben not what he wants to eliminate, but what he wants to dial down. This is a hallmark of TEAM: Anxiety: 70 → 30 Shame: 30 → 20 Inadequacy: 80 → 30 Embarrassment: 70 → 20 We then transitioned into Methods, targeting the thought: "My speech is too slow, and I sound foolish, ignorant, and boring." Jill began with a classic but essential step: identify the distortions. Ruben quickly identified all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, mental filter, discounting positives, mind reading, fortune telling, ...
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    45 mins
  • 504: The Moment You're in Matters More Than the One You Remember
    Jun 1 2026
    The Moment You're in Matters More Than the One You Remember You Can Recover from Trauma by Focusing on the Present

    Hosts:
    Kevin Cornelius, LMFT
    Dr. David Burns

    Episode Overview

    In this powerful episode, Dr. David Burns shares transformative insights from decades of clinical experience treating depression and trauma. Through compelling real-life stories, he challenges the traditional belief that healing requires deep exploration of the past. Instead, he reveals that you do not need to deal with the past to overcome the impact of trauma or recover from depression. Real change can happen rapidly by focusing on thoughts in the present moment.

    Key Takeaways
    1. You don't need to explore the past—even for trauma
    • Dr. Burns challenges the idea that recovery requires revisiting painful memories.
    • You do not need to deal with the past to overcome the impact of trauma.
    • Instead, healing comes from addressing the thoughts and beliefs you're having right now.
    1. Thoughts—not events—create emotional suffering
    • Depression and trauma-related distress are driven by distorted thinking.
    • When those thoughts are exposed as untrue, emotional relief can be immediate.
    1. Rapid recovery is possible—even in severe cases
    • Patients can experience dramatic improvement in just a few sessions—or even minutes.
    • Trauma patients, often considered "hard to treat," can respond quickly using present-focused methods.

    "You do not need to deal with the past to overcome the impact of trauma or recover from depression. All of your suffering is contained in how you're thinking in this moment—and when you change those thoughts, you can change how you feel immediately."

    Resources Mentioned
    • Feeling Great App – Free tool for improving mood and applying CBT techniques
    • Dr. Burns' Website – Free resources, tools, and exercises
    • Psychology Today Articles – Scroll the page for many articles by David
    Final Thought

    If you're struggling right now, there is hope—and possibly faster relief than you've been led to believe. You don't have to spend years digging into your past. By examining your thoughts in the present moment, you may already have everything you need to start feeling better today.

    https://traffic.libsyn.com/feelinggood/Episode_504_-_Feeling_Good_Podcast.mp3

    Listener Invitation

    Have a question you'd like Dr. Burns to answer in a future episode?
    Submit it through the Feeling Great app or the Feeling Good Podcast website.

    Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode

    Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode

    Contact Information

    Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me.

    You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com.

    Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app

    Feeling Great feels wonderful!

    You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT!

    Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!


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    44 mins
  • 503: Is It Time for a New Approach to Emotional Suffering
    May 25 2026
    Is it Time for a New Approach to Emotional Suffering? Advantages and Disadvantages of DSM Diagnoses Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Episode Summary In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. David Burns and host Kevin Cornelius, LMFT explore a topic that shapes nearly every corner of modern mental health care: psychiatric diagnosis. For decades, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has defined how clinicians diagnose, treat, and research emotional suffering. But what if many of these diagnostic categories don't represent distinct medical diseases? What if they are simply normal human emotions—like sadness, anxiety, or shame—occurring on a spectrum? Dr. Burns draws on decades of clinical experience, research, and insights from TEAM-CBT to question the assumptions behind psychiatric labeling. While diagnoses can sometimes reduce stigma or help people access care, they can also unintentionally shape identity, medicalize everyday emotional struggles, and distract from the real drivers of emotional pain. This episode offers a nuanced conversation about labels, measurement, therapy, and what actually helps people recover from depression and anxiety. In This Episode You'll Learn What the DSM is—and why it became so influential How the DSM functions as the "diagnostic bible" of psychiatryWhy the system was originally designed for research standardization, not necessarily for everyday clinical treatment The difference between true mental disorders and normal emotional experiences Examples of genuine brain disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorderWhy many DSM diagnoses describe normal emotions taken to an extreme How everyday struggles became medical diagnoses Shyness becoming "social anxiety disorder"Chronic worry becoming "generalized anxiety disorder"Why time-based thresholds (like "14 days of depression") can be arbitrary The unintended consequences of diagnostic labels How labels can reinforce feelings of shame or defectivenessWhy diagnoses can sometimes lead to over-medicalization and medication-focused care Why measurement matters more than diagnosis in therapy Dr. Burns explains how simple mood scales can quickly assess a patient's emotional stateResearch showing that DSM diagnoses often add little predictive value for treatment outcomes A surprising research finding After lengthy diagnostic interviews, clinicians were only 3–5% accurate at estimating patients' feelings in the momentWhat this reveals about the limits of traditional diagnostic approaches Why focusing on thoughts may be the key According to cognitive research, negative thoughts drive emotional sufferingEffective therapy focuses on identifying and transforming these thoughts Hope for people who feel defined by a diagnosis Why diagnoses do not determine your ability to recoverHow targeted cognitive techniques can sometimes produce rapid improvements—even within a single session Benefits of Diagnosis (According to Dr. Burns) While the episode critiques diagnostic labeling, the conversation also highlights situations where diagnoses can help: Access to insurance coverageEligibility for disability or academic accommodationsTemporary relief from self-blameClear communication in research studies Key Takeaway Mental health diagnoses can sometimes be useful administrative tools—but they should never define who you are. Real healing often comes from understanding the specific thoughts, moments, and experiences that drive emotional pain, and learning practical methods to change them. Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Burns' article: "Is It Time for a New Approach to Emotional Suffering?" (Psychology Today)TEAM-CBT approach to psychotherapyBrief Mood Survey and other measurement tools used in therapy Memorable Quote "We treat humans, not disorders." Connect & Learn More Read Dr. Burns' latest articles on Psychology TodayExplore more tools and resources at FeelingGood.comLearn about TEAM-CBT training and techniques If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, sharing the podcast, or leaving a review. It helps more people discover tools for overcoming depression and anxiety. Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Starting in June: Get TEAM CBT Certified Fast (46 CEs)
    May 19 2026

    COMING UP IN JUNE: Fast Track to LEVEL 3 TEAM CBT Certification

    Hi there! If you're a therapist looking to strengthen your TEAM CBT skills and earn continuing education credit, here's an exceptional opportunity coming up in June 2026.

    Feeling Good Institute's
    Fast Track to Level 3 TEAM CBT Certification
    Starts June 22, 2026 • 25 weeks • 46 CEs

    Special Offer for Podcast Listeners:
    Use discount code FRIEND for a course price of $795.

    Learn More and Enroll Now at FastTrackCBT.com.

    If you want to level up your therapy skills for the rest of your career, this may be the ideal time.

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    1 min
  • 502: Ask David: Is High-Speed Change a "Quick Fix"?
    May 18 2026
    Ask David: Is High Speed Change a Quick Fix? Trauma, Anxiety, and What Really Works Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guest: Dr. Rhonda Barovsky Episode Summary In this powerful Ask David episode, Dr. David Burns, Kevin Cornelius, and Dr. Rhonda Barovsky tackle two deeply important listener questions: Is rapid emotional recovery just a "quick fix," especially for people with severe trauma?How can someone manage intense anxiety and "what if" thoughts in the moment—when they keep coming back? Through vivid clinical stories, real examples from the Feeling Great app, and live demonstrations of TEAM-CBT techniques, the panel explores why working in the present moment can lead to profound and lasting emotional change—even for people with severe trauma histories. Question 1: Is Fast Change Just a "Quick Fix"? Dr. Burns responds to a question inspired by the story of Elise, a Holocaust survivor who recovered from severe depression after challenging a single, devastating belief: "I've never accomplished anything meaningful in my life." When that belief was overturned, Elise's depression disappeared—immediately. Listeners often wonder: Was something deeper left unresolved?Doesn't trauma require long-term exploration of the past? Dr. Burns shares: 50 years of clinical experience producing rapid, measurable symptom eliminationResearch from the Feeling Great app showing that current thoughts—not past suffering—predict changeWhy working in the present moment automatically transforms the pastWhy many therapy schools rely on belief systems rather than data He also discusses new findings (recently published in Psychology Today) showing that prior depression over the last two years adds zero predictive value once current mood and thoughts are addressed. "The moment you're in is vastly more important than the one you remember." Question 2: What If My Anxious Thoughts Keep Coming Back? The second question comes from Dina, a college student overwhelmed by social anxiety and catastrophic "what if" thoughts about meeting with her professor. Despite successfully completing a Daily Mood Log and reducing her anxiety to near zero, Dina finds that the thoughts keep returning in real-life situations. The team explains why this happens—and what to do next. Key strategies discussed: Why cognitive work alone isn't enough for anxietyThe importance of exposure and testing fears in real situationsUsing self-disclosure to dissolve shameTurning anxiety into connection rather than avoidanceRole-playing feared scenarios ("Professor from Hell")Externalization of voicesFeared fantasy and "what-if" techniquesShame-attacking exercisesAsking for real feedback instead of guessing what others thinkIdentifying hidden emotions (such as unexpressed anger)Understanding interpersonal roles and rules that fuel anxiety Multiple techniques are demonstrated live, showing how anxiety collapses when fears are brought into the open with warmth, humor, and honesty. Key Takeaways Rapid emotional change is not a gimmick—it can be measured, replicated, and sustainedTrauma is embedded in the present moment, not trapped in the pastAnxiety persists when we hide, not when we feelExposure + self-disclosure = freedomYou don't need to eliminate negative thoughts—just stop believing themThe Feeling Great app offers free, evidence-based tools anyone can use Tools & Resources Mentioned Feeling Great App (free): https://feelinggreat.comDaily Mood LogTEAM-CBT tools: Motivational MethodsCognitive TechniquesExposureHidden Emotion Work Five Secrets of Effective CommunicationPsychology Today article: "The Moment You're In Is Vastly More Important Than the One You Remember" Memorable Quotes "When we change the present, we change the past." — Dr. David Burns"Shame is like a vampire—it can't survive the light of day.""Stop doing one thing and expecting it to work for everyone.""You don't need to be perfect to feel better." Listener Invitation Have a question you'd like Dr. Burns to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Feeling Great app or the Feeling Good Podcast website. Kevin, Rhonda, and I thank you for listening today! Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. Dr. Rhonda Barovsky is a Level 5 Certified TEAM-CBT Master Therapist and Trainer and specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Check out her website: www.feelinggreattherapycenter.com. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins