Another thing I found very strange was how is CBT supposed to help with trauma memories?
My T only tried it once and since my reaction was almost terminating she never did it again.
When it comes to painful childhood memories, what's the point of trying to persuade the client that it really wasn't that bad? That it must have been much less serious than the client remembers? So instead of getting validation and support, you are made ashamed of your negative emotions basically saying it really wasn't that bad and you're exaggerating? That should make me calmer? That should increase my self esteem and help me manage anxiety?
I absolutely never understood the point of that technique on experiences of childhood emotional neglect. As if I didn't suffer enough as a child, now when I talk about my experiences I'm made look like a total hysterical idiot who has no right to complain because my memories are flawed and nothing that bad really happened. To me, that was absolutely deeply retraumatizing and extremely hurtful.
Fortunately, that was at the very beginning of my therapy and my T understands me much better now. We've found a better and more helpful ways of working together.


Maybe because it was my first encounter with CBT it is another reason I can't stand even mention of it.