Dr. Robert Leahy on Regret

On this episode of Sanity, Dr. Jason Duncan and Master CBT Clinician Dr. Robert Leahy discuss the powerful, and often painful, emotion of regret. Dr. Leahy describes regret as the result of decisions we make, and we can experience it regarding choices we either do, or do not, pursue. Regret is an important emotion because it forces us to review our choices and learn from our experiences. As Dr. Leahy says, “Never waste a good mistake,” because there is always an opportunity to learn something. In his new book, If Only: Finding Freedom from Regret, Dr. Leahy shares steps people should take when they are feeling regret in order to process it in an adaptive way. He discusses common pitfalls of the human experience, such as valuing “existential perfectionism,” or the belief everything should be fulfilling and going right in order for our lives to have meaning. Dr. Leahy notes the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and contentment, rather than perfection, in order to live a rich and meaningful life. Dr. Leahy is a wealth of knowledge, having authored numerous books, treatment manuals, and serving as the director for the American Institute of Cognitive Therapy NYC. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Leahy’s perspective on regret and to hear countless examples of applying these strategies to your own life.

Resources and Links:

If Only: Finding Freedom from Regret by Robert Leahy
https://www.amazon.com/If-Only-Findin...

The Worry Cure by Robert Leahy
https://www.amazon.com/Worry-Cure-Sev...

Beat the Blues Before they Beat You: How to Overcome Depression:
https://www.amazon.com/Beat-Blues-Bef...

Other Books by Robert Leahy/Amazon Office:
https://www.amazon.com/Robert-L-Leahy...

Social Media Information:
American Institute for Cognitive Therapy
https://www.cognitivetherapynyc.com/

Psychology Today Blog:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/co...