A client-friendly guide to understanding rumination, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, and existential crisis

You are not alone in your struggles. Whether you're caught in cycles of overthinking, feeling lost in anxiety or depression, or wrestling with big questions about your purpose, there are many psychological models that can help you make sense of what you're going through.

Each model—whether it's Buddhist Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Therapy, ACT, CBT, or Internal Family Systems—offers a unique lens. In this guide, you'll learn how each approach understands six common concerns and discover insights to support your healing journey.

1. RUMINATION: "Why can’t I stop thinking about this?"

Buddhist Psychology: Your mind is clinging to thoughts. Mindfulness helps loosen the grip.

Psychoanalysis: A deeper, unspoken issue may be surfacing over and over.

Psychodynamic: Inner critical voices often echo early relationships.

ACT: You’re fused with your thoughts. Noticing that gives you space.

CBT: These loops are often distorted beliefs. Challenge and shift them.

IFS: A protective part is trying to keep you safe through thinking.

2. ANXIETY: "What if something bad happens?"

Buddhist Psychology: Fear comes from resisting uncertainty. Breathe into presence.

Psychoanalysis: Anxiety may be a sign of inner conflict.

Psychodynamic: Old attachment wounds may be driving fear.

ACT: Avoiding anxiety fuels it. Acceptance builds strength.

CBT: Anxious thinking exaggerates danger. Reframe it.

IFS: An anxious part needs comfort, not control.

3. DEPRESSION: "I feel stuck and empty."

Buddhist Psychology: Let go of clinging to how life "should be."

Psychoanalysis: Depression may be anger turned inward.

Psychodynamic: It's often linked to past loss or unmet needs.

ACT: Even small steps toward values create momentum.

CBT: Identify negative beliefs and gradually shift them.

IFS: Let the part holding the sadness speak and be heard.

4. INTERPERSONAL CONFLICTS: "Why do I keep repeating this pattern?"

Buddhist Psychology: Conflict arises when ego clings to identity.

Psychoanalysis: You might be projecting old feelings onto others.

Psychodynamic: Past relational wounds shape current responses.

ACT: Step back and choose to respond from your values.

CBT: Check the beliefs you hold about others and yourself.

IFS: Understand which parts of you are activated in the conflict.

5. EXISTENTIAL CRISIS: "What is the point of it all?"

Buddhist Psychology: Embrace the impermanence of all things.

Psychoanalysis: Explore unconscious fears of loss or death.

Psychodynamic: Identity crises often call for self-reinvention.

ACT: Clarify your values and let them guide your path.

CBT: Notice black-and-white thinking about purpose.

IFS: Let your core Self guide you through uncertainty.

Final Thought:

You are not broken—you are complex, layered, and deeply human. Different models offer different tools, and healing doesn’t have to follow just one path. The most important thing is to begin with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

If any of these perspectives resonate with you, consider bringing them into therapy. Your healing is your own, but you never have to walk it alone.

Author: Heidi Kwok, M.A., RCC

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