I don't know about this, it seems kind of out of line that your T would tell you how to think. For me, it is more just a way of examining my protective coping mechanisms. For most of my life, I haven't even noticed how I have protected myself, I just did it. Bringning my attention to thought patterns (not necessarily unhealthy ones) is a way of strenghthening the whole. In IFS, as mentioned above, you have a true "self" underneath all the parts. That doesn't make the parts bad- they're necessary- but recognizing them as not your core is kind of liberating.

Velcro, the first time my T asked me, "So, what are you feeling in your body as we talk about this". I had NO IDEA what she meant. Over time, I have learned to notice my breathing becoming shallow, my jaw getting tight, my hands clenching. As a medical provider, I can see these are a result of stress-related hormones. As time has gone on, I have started noticing very subtle physical reactions and these have alerted me to the fact that the situation I am in may be becoming uncomfortable. Early recognition can help to deal with stress.

In theory, anyway.