Cognitive therapy takes this approach. Distorted thoughts cause distorted feelings, in that an emotional reaction to an event/situation is dependent on a percep

Cognitive therapy takes this approach. Distorted thoughts cause distorted feelings, in that an emotional reaction to an event/situation is dependent on a perception/interpretation of it. i.e. a cognition. Faulty cognition -> faulty emotion. ...therefore, taking such feelings as "true" (as an assessment of reality) is mistaken. I bring this up is because cognitive therapy can be practiced from books, without having to share with another, if that is an obstacle. Of course, having a true friend is an even better and easier way. And a funny thing is that by its nature, it's easier to spot faulty cognition in someone else (from the outside) than in yourself (from the inside). So, people can help each other.