"To fully appreciate the power of this question, it's necessary to first understand the context of many therapy treatment methods. A substantial aspect of approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is identifying irrational beliefs and replacing them with a healthier self-messages. The theory is that our emotions and behaviors in response to a given situation flow from our underlying thoughts. An irrational thought will lead to maladaptive emotions and unhealthy behaviors. A rational thought will lead to more harmony between our inner and outer worlds. So if we change the thought, we change our emotions and behavior. This is the "cognitive" piece of CBT."
""My drinking is under control." "I'm a bad person." "It's not my fault my children won't speak to me." "I'll be happy when I get what I want." These are examples of what might be irrational thoughts for some people. If such a client could change this thought, they'd be happier. But the problem with blind spots is that people are, by definition, blind to them."
"For example, telling the client above, "I think your drinking is actually out of control" would more often than not lead to swift and intense resistance. "No it's not! What are you talking about?""
Therapy often targets irrational or unhelpful beliefs and replaces them with healthier self-messages, especially within CBT. The theoretical premise is that underlying thoughts drive emotions and behaviors, so altering thoughts changes feelings and actions. Common blind-spot beliefs include denial about substance use, global self-condemnation, externalized blame, and conditional happiness. Clients frequently lack awareness of these blind spots and resist being told they are wrong, which prolongs treatment through prolonged questioning and indirect work. A trusting therapeutic relationship allows therapists to more directly point out irrational beliefs, potentially shortening therapy and accelerating beneficial change.
Read at Psychology Today
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