How to Escape the Negative Thought Spiral with Dr. Seth Gillihan

What if the thoughts driving your stress, anxiety, and unhappiness aren't even true?

Join Matt O'Neill and Dr. Seth Gillihan as they reveal the life-changing power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with mindfulness—a proven approach that's as effective as antidepressant medication, but without the side effects. Seth shows you how to break free from the prison of negative automatic thoughts that hijack your peace and steal your present moments.

This isn't about positive thinking or denial. It's about learning to see your thoughts as events in your mind, not facts about reality. You'll discover why your brain automatically scans for problems (and how to counter it), the difference between helpful reframing and toxic positivity, and practical techniques you can use starting today to challenge distorted thinking patterns.

Whether you're caught in spirals of self-doubt, overwhelmed by daily stress, or simply missing the magic of your own life, this conversation will give you the tools to step back, breathe, and see clearly what's actually happening versus what your mind is telling you is happening.

0:00 Introduction

0:49 What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

1:44 CBT vs. Antidepressant Medication

3:11 CBT vs. Traditional Talk Therapy

4:37 What are Negative Automatic Thoughts?

8:20 Breaking Thought Patterns with Evidence

12:26 Examining Thoughts vs. Reality

17:13 When Thoughts Become Self-Blame

20:58 Why "Should" Statements Keep You Stuck

23:54 The Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity of this Moment

27:02 Parenting, Presence, and The Last Times We Don't See Coming

29:52 How Mindfulness Reduces Anxiety and Depression

31:35 Simple Ways to Start Being More Mindful

35:12 Tracking Your Stressful Thoughts

Resources Mentioned:

🌐Dr. Seth Gillihan's website: https://SethGillihan.com

About the Guest:

Dr. Seth Gillihan is a clinical psychologist, author, and expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. He specializes in helping people break free from negative thought patterns and develop greater presence and peace in their daily lives. Through his work, Seth has helped countless individuals learn that their thoughts are not facts and that they have the power to respond rather than react to life's challenges. His approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with accessible mindfulness practices that anyone can implement.