Revisiting Stuck Spots
In the course of therapy, it’s not uncommon for clients like Emory to encounter obstacles or get stuck, leading them to revert to avoidance strategies, or what we call DOTS (Distracting, Opting out, Thinking, and Self-sabotage). When this happens, it’s helpful to revisit the ABC model. This doesn’t need to be a formal exercise; it can be as simple as a verbal review. Revisiting the ABC model allows both the therapist and Emory to reassess the patterns of behavior, thoughts, and consequences that are contributing to these stuck spots, providing clarity and direction on how to move forward.