One pivotal moment in therapy was when Lina successfully identified and challenged the negative thoughts that frequently arose within her. In one session, Lina shared how anxious she felt about an upcoming presentation in front of her work team. She feared she wouldn't be able to meet expectations and believed that if the presentation didn't go perfectly, it would threaten her credibility. Dr. Eva helped Lina assess the reality of these thoughts and replace them with a more rational perspective. Using CBT techniques, Lina learned to view the presentation as an opportunity to share ideas rather than a definitive judgment of her abilities.
Lina also faced challenges in overcoming old, unhealthy habits. Sometimes, she found herself reverting to old patterns like avoiding problems or overly focusing on work as a way to escape her feelings. Dr. Eva helped Lina become aware of when and why these patterns emerged and provided support and strategies to handle such situations in a healthier way.
Through this therapy process, Lina grew to understand the importance of self-awareness and reflection. She began to appreciate the value of taking a moment to pause, reflect, and understand her emotions. Dr. Eva taught Lina mindfulness techniques to help enhance her self-awareness and reduce anxiety. This technique involved paying full attention to the present moment without judging thoughts or feelings, and Lina found that this practice helped her feel more connected with herself and calmer in stressful situations.
Overall, while Lina's journey in cognitive-behavioral therapy was not always easy, she began to experience positive changes in her life. Each therapy session provided new insights and useful tools to manage her feelings. Despite still experiencing setbacks and challenges, Lina felt that she had the support and skills necessary to handle these situations better.
With Dr. Eva's support and her commitment to applying new techniques in her daily life, Lina felt slightly more optimistic about her future. She began to see hope in the recovery process and felt that although this journey might be long, she had taken important steps toward positive change.