In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. David Jacobi of Rogers Behavioral Health explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works as an evidence-based treatment for depression. Together with hosts Terry and Anita, Dr. Jacobi breaks down the CBT “triangle” of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and explains why behavioral activation — doing something different, even small — can help break the cycle of depression.
Listeners will learn how CBT can reduce avoidance, reintroduce pleasure and valued activities, and provide tools to support both self-healing and loved ones. This conversation highlights why no step is too small when moving toward recovery and how we can give ourselves the help we need.
Primary Topics Covered:
- What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is and why it works
- The CBT triangle: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- How behavioral activation helps reduce depression symptoms
- The importance of routine, pleasurable, and valued activities
- The role of support systems without enabling avoidance
- Medication as a tool alongside CBT practices
- Why small steps matter in recovery
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro to the episode
01:25 What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
02:17 The CBT triangle: emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
03:48 How CBT changes depressive thoughts and behaviors
05:13 Behavioral activation and why doing something matters
06:24 Avoidance patterns and how they maintain depression
07:22 Active coping vs avoidance
08:28 Routine, pleasurable, and valued activities in recovery
10:05 How small actions build momentum out of depression
11:11 Motivation follows action, not the other way around
12:20 The importance of support and accountability
12:57 Symptom accommodation: helping vs enabling
14:13 Encouraging activation while offering empathy
14:42 Medications as another tool in recovery
15:34 Combining CBT, medication, and daily actions
16:14 Why no step is too small in depression recovery
17:24 Supporting yourself with encouragement and patience
17:52 Closing thoughts and takeaways
Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
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