Overview
As developers, we’re used to solving problems. We can learn all the frameworks, tools, and techniques we need to tackle any technical challenge. But when the problems we face aren’t in our code but are in our head, what tools do we have then?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts determine our emotions so we can change how we feel by changing how we think. While CBT is generally used to treat mental disorders like depression, it can also be effective in dealing with more common challenges like procrastination, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, and handling criticism. Drawing on basic programming concepts, this talk will teach you the foundations of CBT and practical techniques you can use to help correct the distorted negative thoughts that can prevent us from doing our best work.
Objective
Learn what cognitive behavioural therapy is and how you can apply it to challenges in your own work.
Target Audience
This talk is aimed at developers of all skill levels.
Five Things Audience Members Will Learn
- What cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is
- Why the model it offers fits so well with our developer mindset
- Some common mental traps we fall into that distort our feelings
- How to test whether our responses are helping us or holding us back
- How to turn a piece of paper into a powerful debugger for our thoughts
