Avoidance, by itself, isn’t negative. It makes people think it isn’t a big deal. But imagine how many missed opportunities for growth or connection, in time, add up to a lost relationship or what may have encompassed a substantial life change. What feels neutral, like one more cigarette, is false security, a slowly corroding possibility.
Avoidance exists in many forms, one of which is the pursuit of information. Due to the recent and widespread election anxiety, patients around the country sought out the aid of their therapists for comfort about the future. They looked for answers regarding the likelihood of a particular candidate winning to avoid fear. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which offers help in exploring the likelihood of a negative belief or prediction, was used to help quell anxieties about climate change, social unrest, corruption, and exploitation. Unfortunately, in hindsight, while CBT may have been effective, its likely reframes, based on general sentiment and early polling, were often wrong. (I'm guilty as well.) Now, many are left wondering: How good are we at predicting?
CBT is limited due to this. But, many continue to avoid making choices, learning skills, and taking risks while collecting data; some even desperately search for root causes. To fix a problem is to first........