Principle 4: It’s a two-way street
We have seen previously how certain thoughts appear to be capable of creating certain emotions: for example, if I think to myself ‘I am ugly’ then there is a good chance that such a thought might trigger feelings of shame, disgust or sadness. However CBT points out that the effect works both ways: in other words, if I am already feeling sad or depressed I am also much more likely to entertain thoughts associated with those emotions, in this case my ‘ugly’ thoughts.
This does not just apply to thoughts and feelings. The way we act can also predispose us to experience certain emotions or strengthen certain ways of thinking while particular moods or states of mind can encourage us to behave in a particular manner. ...
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