EL can also use this technique to work on her issues of trusting others.
Other methods that I would use (all based on CBT) include a contract between counselor / client to assess, monitor and adopt or break certain habits; the reward or punishment of certain actions, and instructions on the philosophy behind detrimental thoughts and how to change thoughts. The participant is taught to question evaluations and beliefs; gradually faces and deals with fearful situations and stimuli (via gradual extinction); experiment with new ways of behaving and thinking; and (in the case of EL and DW who wish to become more trusting and confident) adopt stress-reducing techniques such as relaxation, visualization, mindfulness, and distraction. In fact, visualization would be a helpful technique for all in order to help them envision, accordingly better incorporate their new behavior.
Other behavioral techniques that I would use for low self-esteem (which most of the participants suffer from) is to help them pinpoint their points of self-criticism and question whether they can improve / work on them and is so how. I will also help them shift their attention to positive points about themselves and make them...
To help them accept criticism, I will ask them to repeat precisely what the other person said and to assess its validity.
I will also show participants how to turn self-rejecting statements into self-acceptance cognitions and aphorisms via the ABCs of RET (Activating situation; Belief; Consequence). In fact, RET (heavily involving behavioral techniques via reinforcement, role modeling etc.) will take up a good portion of my session.
Helpfully too, will be the technique of helping participant being clear of their goals, principles, likes, dislikes and so forth. Having a stable self will help them better accept themselves.
Bellack, Alan S., and Michel Hersen, eds. Research and Practice in Social Skills Training. New York: Plenum Press: 1979.
Ellis, A. (2001). Overcoming Destructive Beliefs, Feelings, and Behaviors: New Directions for Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Prometheus Books
McKay, Matthew, Martha Davis, and Patrick Fanning. Messages: The Communication Skills Book. 2nd edition. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 1995.
