The Usual Array of Suspects

Written By: John Herdman, Ph.D., LADC, ICADC Date: March 23rd, 2009. Topic: Member Blogs.

For decades I’ve been fascinated in the various detective shows on TV. I remember watching Dragnet and Sgt. Friday who says “Just the facts.” Now there are the CSI dramas to keep me entertained. Maybe that is why I’m so interested in neuro-psychology and how the brain works. When there is a murder, the detectives start by interviewing the usual array of suspects. If a spouse is murdered, they look to the surviving spouse and then other family, friends, enemies, etc. It is rare to have a murder committed by a total stranger. This is true in your own life. When you feel anger, anxiety or depression, or find yourself engaging in addictive behaviors, look for the Usual Array of Suspects.

Once you have studied and identified your Irrational Triggers, Cognitive Distortions, and Self-Defeating Beliefs, you are on your way to knowing what thoughts and self-defeating beliefs make you feel the emotions you feel. You can identify the thoughts and beliefs that lead you to engage in self-defeating behaviors.

List your own “Usual Array of Suspects.” Are you a “People Pleaser”, a “Perfectionist”, or do you have “Low Frustration Tolerance?” Do you “Should” on other people? Should the world be “Easy?” As Fallible Human Beings we all have a few Irrational Triggers (ITs) and Self-Defeating Beliefs that we can call our “Usual Array of Suspects.”

Excerpt from A Rational Workbook for Recovery From Addictions – Second Edition by John W. Herdman, Ph.D., LADC

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