The group therapy techniques that I have found to be the most effective for most addictions is cognitive (thoughts)-behaviorial (actions). The first main learning I had was in what is called cognitive restructuring. Simply put, I had to relearn how to think. I learned how to be what I call my observer self.
I never realized that my way of thinking everything was a major disaster was contributing to my life’s disasters. In other words, I was creating the drama instead of just reacting to it. So I learned that if I created the drama, I could uncreate it. The simple technique I used was to shout “Stop!” at my obsessive thinking. Scream it loud enough and you tend to get your own attention.
I learned that my mind was out to get me–or, at the very least, my mind was out to control me. I think that I was addicted to feeling bad. The main reward from negative thinking is low expectations of ourselves. If you think you’re not worth much, you don’t have to do much.
Negative thinking or fear controlled my mind and therefore my emotions, I also have learned that feelings can’t hurt me unless I hold on to them.
A technique that can help retain your brain is autogenic thinking. The following articles will help your questions.
[...] How to Retrain Your Brain [...]
[...] How to Retrain Your Brain [...]