Helping our patients to hold an uncomfortable feeling like a “crying baby”

We get taught in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT, to challenge a “negative thought” with a more “positive thought”.

But what about a “negative or uncomfortable feeling”?

Have you ever tried to help patients challenge a “negative FEELING” with a “positive THOUGHT” and noticed that it wasn’t enough to shift it?

Then maybe try to challenge/hold a “negative or uncomfortable feeling” like fear/frustration/hopelessness, with a more “positive” or compelling feeling like gratitude, love, wonder, hope, curiosity, courage or compassion.

If one can hold those uncomfortable feelings and soothe it like a “crying baby”, then life can be a bit more manageable.