“I’m Helpless!” Real Therapy with Dr. David Burns & Dr. Jill Levitt

What happens when you watch real therapy unfold—unscripted, unrehearsed, and live? Recorded on September 11, 2025, this extraordinary session features Dr. David Burns (author of Feeling Good and creator of TEAM CBT) and Dr. Jill Levitt (Director of Clinical Training at the ‪@FeelingGoodInstitute‬). Together, they work with a courageous volunteer, Madeleine, as she faces depression, panic, and self-doubt in real time. 00:00 Introduction and Workshop Overview 02:12 Introduction to Dr. David Burns, Feeling Good Institute and Therapist Training 03:49 The Importance of Deliberate Practice in Therapy 06:45 Overview of the TEAM CBT Model 19:23 Empathy in Therapy 22:40 Assessment of Resistance 49:28 Live Demonstration with Madeleine 56:59 Emotional Turmoil and Apology 57:48 Spiraling Thoughts and Anxiety 58:28 Parental Fears and Protective Instincts 01:01:50 Therapist's Perspective and Self-Reflection 01:05:49 Daily Mood Log and Parenting Reflections 01:26:00 Balancing Empathy and Resistance 01:36:42 The Temptation of the Magic Button 01:38:27 Benefits of Anxiety 01:43:09 Addressing Inadequacy 01:49:33 Understanding Sadness 01:52:45 The Role of Frustration 01:54:17 Positive Aspects of Anger 01:57:19 Reevaluating Emotional Levels 02:05:21 Setting Emotional Goals 02:05:47 Identifying Negative Thoughts 02:06:56 Challenging Distortions 02:08:51 Evaluating Positive Thoughts 02:18:49 Double Standard Technique 02:22:28 Externalization of Voices 02:36:08 Addressing Parenting Concerns 02:37:22 Understanding Sociopathy 02:38:14 Countering Self-Criticism 02:41:37 Double Standard Technique Role Play 02:45:10 Evaluating Parenting Efforts 02:57:24 Relapse Prevention and Cognitive Flooding 03:09:08 Addressing Audience Questions and Misconceptions 03:09:34 The Role of Emotion in Therapy 03:10:16 Maintaining Change and Relapse Prevention 03:12:41 Anxiety and Head Trauma 03:15:34 Therapist-Patient Honesty and Empathy 03:17:40 CBT for High School Students 03:20:12 Self-Disclosure in Therapy 03:30:38 The Magic Dial and Positive Reframing 03:40:26 Training and Resources for Therapists 03:46:58 Final Thoughts and Gratitude You’ll witness how David and Jill use the principles of TEAM CBT to: • Build trust and safety in the moment • Melt away resistance to change • Guide a transformative emotional breakthrough This was not a role-play or a rehearsal—it’s an authentic, spontaneous look at what genuine healing can look like. Whether you’re a therapist, student, or someone curious about the process of emotional transformation, this recording offers a rare, unfiltered view of expert therapy in action. 👇 Explore self-help tools based on TEAM CBT in the Feeling Great app: https://feelinggreat.app.link/xJybmHZ... 📘 Learn more in Feeling Good and Feeling Great by Dr. David Burns 🔔 Subscribe for more live demos and practical tools: ‪@FeelingGreatApp‬ ABOUT THE “FEELING GREAT” APP 😊 Feeling Great is a new mobile app inspired by the groundbreaking work of world-renowned psychiatrist and author, Dr. David Burns. Combining the power of our AI chatbot with awesome interactive classes and lessons, the app guides you through a transformative journey toward enhanced self-esteem and emotional well-being. ABOUT DR. BURNS 👨‍⚕️ Author of the best-selling book Feeling Good, the #1 recommended book by mental health professionals for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. — FOLLOW US 🤳 Stay connected with us on social media: IG:   / feelinggreatapp   TikTok:   / feelinggreatapp   Facebook:   / feelinggreatapp   LinkedIn:   / feeling-great-app   — DISCLAIMER: Content on this channel and the Feeling Great app is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare provider with any physical or mental health questions. In case of an emergency, contact emergency services right away. #realtherapy #anxiety #parenting #therapy #therapytools #cbt #therapist #psychiatrist #mother