CCC 28-1

INNOVATIVE THOUGHT & PRACTICE

For instance, when clients present with intrusive thoughts, I teach them to approach these thoughts with curi osity rather than suppression. Intrusive thoughts often function as signals from the nonconscious mind, pointing toward unresolved conflicts that require attention. By reconceptualizing them as information rather than threats, clients can shift from being controlled by their thoughts to learning from them. Similarly, for clients trapped in regret, I introduce research on counter factual thinking—the “could have/would have/should have” cognitive pattern. Studies indicate that balancing upward counterfactuals with downward coun terfactuals can transform regret from a paralyzing emotion into a learning opportunity. Addressing Contemporary Clinical Challenges The book also tackles modern issues that are increasingly being seen in practice. There is a concerning trend of self-di agnosis through social media, particu larly among younger clients. Research on “prevalence inflation” suggests that widespread mental health messaging, while well-intentioned, may lead people to pathologize normal distress, poten tially reducing resilience.

I address how clinicians can help clients distinguish between normal human struggle and presentations requiring professional intervention, without invalidating their distress. The goal is to achieve an accurate assess ment that neither minimizes genuine symptoms nor medicalizes expected responses to difficult circumstances. Clinical Applications I want to be transparent with fellow clinicians about what this resource accomplishes. These strategies are not replacements for trauma process ing or treatment of serious mental health conditions. What they will do is provide clients with stabilization techniques they can use independently between sessions, helping them interrupt automatic reactive patterns before they escalate. Help in a Hurry is designed as a resource clinicians can recommend to clients or use in group settings. It is written for general audiences, making it accessible to clients with varying levels of psychological sophistication. The strategies are organized around common presenting problems, making it easy for clients to quickly find relevant interventions. Ultimately, what we offer clients is not just symptom management but hope grounded in neuroscience—the evidence-based understanding that change is possible and, with the right tools and support, they can develop genuine resilience. ;

Caroline Leaf, Ph.D., is a communication pathologist, audiologist, and clinical and research neuroscientist specializing in psychoneurobiology. She has 40 years of research and clinical experience in understanding the mind-brain-body connection. Dr. Leaf is the author of numerous books, including Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess , and hosts a top-rated podcast on mental health, which has garnered more than 50 million downloads.

20 Christian Counseling Connection