Effective coping almost always hinges on an accurate appraisal of the stressful event that is being navigated, particularly with respect to what can be controlled versus not. In this 3rd annual Fireside Chat, the host of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych, shares some observations on the relationship between truth, control & coping and why it is often so hard to see things as they are (and not as we wish them to be) and how this can at times sabotage our efforts at managing situations that come up in our lives.   In this discussion we cover: a practical and workable definition of "truth" within psychotherapy  common reasons why it is difficult for us to embrace the truth of what is going on in our livesthe unintended consequences of emotional avoidance on the coping strategies selectedthe two main categories of coping - problem-focused & emotion-focused coping and when they are best deployedan overview of the likely emotional outcomes when there is a mismatch between the demands of the situation and the category of coping used and how to use your emotional reaction to tell if you are on the right track or notComments or feedback?  Email the show @ [email protected].   Host note: Thanks to everyone for the support this year!  Just a quick note to say that we will be offering a 6 week essentials of CBT workshop that I will be facilitating beginning March 24, 2023.  For more information and registration, please visit: https://www.ottawacbt.ca/news Please come join us!