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The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat Hanh
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Therapists guide patients to understand how their beliefs contribute to their suffering rather than just replacing those beliefs.

This quote emphasizes the role of therapists in helping patients identify and understand the beliefs that underpin their emotional struggles. It suggests that true healing involves not merely focusing on alleviating negative feelings, but rather exploring the root causes of those feelings, which are often deep-seated beliefs and perspectives that need to be addressed and transformed.

Themes

BeliefsSufferingTherapyFeelingsUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a therapy session, a counselor can quote this to illustrate the importance of addressing underlying beliefs.

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In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.
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