Licensed trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook takes an honest look at why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often gets a bad rap in trauma work—and where it still holds real value.

In this episode, she breaks down what CBT actually is, where it came from, and why its focus on identifying and shifting automatic thoughts can be helpful—but also deeply limited when used in a rigid, one-size-fits-all way. Tabitha explores how non–trauma-informed CBT can unintentionally minimize real harm, invalidate appropriate emotional responses, and overlook the critical roles of the nervous system, attachment wounds, dissociation, and the lived experience of the body.

She also highlights more integrative “third-wave” approaches like DBT and ACT, which better account for emotional regulation and embodied experience. Importantly, she names a truth many people feel but rarely hear: some thoughts aren’t distortions—they’re accurate reflections of real pain, loss, or ongoing realities (including chronic illness), and they cannot simply be reframed away.

Drawing from her work in EMDR and faith-informed identity healing, Tabitha offers a more nuanced path forward. This episode invites listeners to move beyond therapy “camps” and toward a flexible, compassionate, and effective trauma healing toolkit.

Links:

Transformational Topics Community - https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/upcoming-events-groups/trauma-healing-support-online/.

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At The Journey and The Process we strive to help you heal. Our therapists are trauma specialists who use evidence-based tools like EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems to help you heal - mind, soul, and body. Reach out today to start your healing journey. https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/

 This book is for every Christian woman who has been harmed sexually, whether that happened in childhood, adulthood, or even within your coercive controlling marriage, and you're longing to feel safe in your body again. We talk about the hard stuff, shame, desire, faith, and even questions like, is this sin or is this trauma?

You don't have to untangle it alone. Body & Soul, Healed & Whole is for you. Get a copy here today - https://a.co/d/8Jo3Z4V

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📩 Connect with Tabitha & The Journey and The Process:
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🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.

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