I mentioned that I am once again suffering from a bout of depression. It happens. Unfortunately, it is an ongoing symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I will be fine for months then the depression sets in again. Maybe I should be taking anti-depressant medication, but in order to both alleviate the symptoms and prevent recurring bouts, I would have to take them every day- day after day- year after year. That does not appeal to me. Instead, I accept that bouts of depression are a part of my life and remind myself that it will pass again. There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel! There always is.

I have undergone every type of therapy. I have, in fact, been in therapy for more than 40 years. I have taken medication and undergone various treatment modalities. I think that is why I had such a strong reaction to the references to Ellis and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) on Randy's post. (The inclusion of the word 'behavior' is a recent change.)

As a therapist- when I was a therapist- I liked using the cognitive approaches to counseling/therapy including REBT whenever possible. These modalities deal with perceptions and choosing how we respond to the world. We cannot change the world, only how we respond to it. It is changing those "inner voices"- the criticism etc., that we internalized as children- and replacing them with new "voices", i.e., feelings of worthlessness with, "I am a wonderful human being with much to contribute."

My reaction stems from therapists entrenched in the REBT modality- a single fix for every affliction, and if it does not work, then it is because the patient/client is "non-compliant" with therapy. (Blaming the patient for his condition.) REBT is not effective when dealing with organically based conditions. One can't will away depression any more than one can will away heart disease.

There is nothing wrong with REBT. It is an effective therapy but it is not the only modality and sometimes not the best choice. I think my strong internal reaction was because I once had a therapist who was entrenched in REBT and those words, "non-compliant" are now a permanent part of my medical treatment record. Her notations in my medical record nearly prevented me from receiving my VA disability because unfortunately, the treatment modality employed by the therapist is NOT a part of the session notes.

Wow! I am going on and on without even getting to what is going on, the events that opened the doors to my most recent depression. I have to remind myself that avoidance is a coping mechanism too.