|

How TEAM CBT Tackles Resistance to Change

Breaking Through Mental Blocks

|

Have you ever wanted to feel better—but found yourself stuck in the same patterns, again and again? You might be showing up for therapy, reading all the right books, or trying new habits, but something still feels like it’s holding you back. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. This frustrating loop is often the result of internal resistance to change, and it’s more common than most people realize.


At Radiant Mind Therapy in Elk Grove, we use a specialized and results-driven method called TEAM CBT to help clients overcome these mental blocks and make lasting progress. Developed by Dr. David D. Burns, TEAM CBT is a revolutionary evolution of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that’s designed to help you understand why you might be resisting change—and what you can do about it..

Why Wanting Change Isn’t Always Enough

Many people begin therapy with a clear goal: to feel better. But as soon as change begins, unexpected discomfort often arises. For example:

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

You know setting boundaries would help—but fear disappointing others

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

You want to leave an unhealthy relationship—but feel guilty or afraid

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

You try to challenge negative thoughts—but secretly believe you deserve to suffer

These are just a few examples of subconscious resistance—the hidden reasons we don't move forward, even when we say we want to. Traditional therapy approaches may miss or overlook these internal conflicts, but TEAM CBT addresses them head-on.

Scholarships

Understanding Resistance



Fear, Guilt, and Hidden Beliefs

Resistance to change isn’t laziness or a lack of willpower—it’s usually rooted in deeply held emotional beliefs. You might fear:

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Losing your identity or relationships if you change

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Letting go of coping strategies that helped you survive

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Facing emotions or memories you’ve long avoided

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Failing again and proving negative beliefs true

At Radiant Mind Therapy, we help you gently uncover these subconscious fears and work through them with compassion and clarity. This is where TEAM CBT becomes a game-changer.

What Makes TEAM CBT Different

TEAM CBT stands for Testing, Empathy, Agenda Setting, and Methods—and each step is key in overcoming resistance to change:

Upper school interview
(Grade 9-11)

IT IS FLUE SEASON

Elise Birenbloem

Testing

You complete a brief survey before and after each session to track your emotional state. This lets us measure your progress objectively and identify patterns that may need extra attention

Empathy

You’ll never be rushed or judged. Before we jump into solving anything, we’ll take the time to deeply understand your feelings, your pain, and your goals. This builds trust and ensures we’re working together, not just “fixing” you.

Upper school interview
(Grade 9-11)

IT IS FLUE SEASON

Elise Birenbloem

Agenda Setting

This is where resistance work begins. We explore why part of you might not want to change—even if the other part desperately does. Together, we identify the perceived “benefits” of staying stuck (like avoiding risk or staying safe) and work toward resolving those internal conflicts.

Methods

Once you’re ready and motivated, we use powerful, research-backed CBT tools to reframe negative thoughts, challenge limiting beliefs, and practice new emotional habits.

This process helps you move forward at a pace that feels safe and effective—without forcing or skipping over the resistance that’s been holding you back.

Scholarships

Real-Life Results from TEAM CBT

Clients often say that TEAM CBT helped them experience emotional breakthroughs they never achieved in years of traditional therapy. That’s because the model works with your ambivalence instead of against it.


Many clients notice changes like:

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Greater motivation and emotional clarity

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Reduced fear around difficult choices

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

A stronger sense of self-worth

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Better communication and boundary-setting

A black circle is floating in the air on a white background.

Improved ability to manage thoughts and emotions

Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship difficulties, addressing internal resistance can be the key to finally feeling better.

A woman is sitting on a couch while a woman holds a clipboard and a pen.

FAQs

About TEAM CBT and Resistance

  • What if I’m not sure what’s holding me back?

    Treatment length varies, but many clients begin seeing improvements within the first few months. We’ll regularly assess progress and adjust the approach as needed.

  • Will therapy get raWill this make therapy take longer?id of anxiety completely?

    Therapy helps you understand, manage, and reduce anxiety — even if it doesn’t disappear entirely. Many clients find significant relief and learn how to respond to stress in healthier ways.

  • Is TEAM CBT right for everyone?

    Yes. Whether you’ve had therapy before or this is your first time, TEAM CBT adapts to your unique goals and personality. It’s especially helpful if you’ve tried therapy before and felt like something was missing.


  • an I combine therapy with medication?

    Absolutely. Many clients benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. Kim can coordinate care with your doctor or psychiatrist when needed.

Ready to Move Forward—For Real?

If you’ve felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure why progress in therapy seems slow, you might be bumping up against resistance. At Radiant Mind Therapy in Elk Grove, we specialize in TEAM CBT to help you understand what’s holding you back—and unlock meaningful change.


Let’s work together to break through the mental blocks and help you build the life you deserve.