Episode 61

full
Published on:

23rd May 2023

Plagued by "What If"? Let's Talk About Counterfactual Thinking

Today we're talking about the "shoulda"s, the "woulda"s, and the "coulda"s; the "What If?"s and the "If Only"s.

But we're digging into the science and figuring out how to not be driven bananas by all of it.

Counterfactual thinking-- the idea of visualizing an alternative outcome, comes in different forms and can have positives in negatives. From surprising research about Olympic medalists to specific tools for how to think differently and let go of the past, you'll find it all in today's Baggage Check.

Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!

Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.

Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)

Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper

Transcript
his opportunity. Hindsight is:
Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Baggage Check: Mental Health Talk and Advice

About the Podcast

Baggage Check: Mental Health Talk and Advice
with Dr. Andrea Bonior
We've all got baggage. But what do we choose to do with it?
Every other Friday, licensed clinical psychologist, best-selling author and popular psychology professor Dr. Andrea Bonior takes your mental health questions, and makes you part of the conversation. Join her and other voices as they translate research into real life, and talk about relationships, emotions, health, psychological disorders, stress, finding meaning, work, and occasionally-- just occasionally-- the most obscure dance crazes of 1997.
All are welcome, and nothing is off limits. With science, compassion, and humor, she's here to help.
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com

About your host

Profile picture for Andrea Bonior

Andrea Bonior

Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, and the best-selling author of “Detox Your Thoughts." She was the longtime mental health advice columnist for The Washington Post, and appears regularly in national media, including CNN and NPR, with several popular courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Dr. Bonior’s blog for Psychology Today has been read more than 25 million times. She serves on the faculty of Georgetown University, where she recently won the national Excellence in Teaching award, given by the American Psychological Association.