S Webb Sentell Ph.D. MPAP

10/29/2025

Dr. Webb Sentell — Medical Neuropsychology
Bridges for Recovery

7607 Fern Avenue, Suite 902
Shreveport, LA 71105
Phone: (318) 524-9954

Fixing Tricky Thoughts — A Simple Guide

Sometimes our thoughts try to trick us and make us feel worse.
Here are common tricky thoughts and what to do instead!

1️⃣ All-or-Nothing Thinking

“It’s perfect or it’s terrible.”
✅ Most things are in the middle — and that’s okay.

2️⃣ Ignoring the Good

“It didn’t count… I just got lucky.”
✅ You earned your success — give yourself credit.

3️⃣ Only Seeing the Bad

One bad moment = a bad day.
✅ Notice the good parts too — balance the picture.

4️⃣ Mind Reading

“They must think I’m dumb.”
✅ You can’t know what others think — wait for facts.

5️⃣ Too Much Blame

“It’s all my fault” or “all their fault.”
✅ Focus on what you can do to help now.

6️⃣ “Always/Never” Words

“I ALWAYS mess up!”
✅ Try “sometimes” or “often” — life isn’t all or nothing.

7️⃣ Name-Calling

“I’m stupid.”
✅ Be kind to yourself — talk like you would to a friend.

8️⃣ Making Problems Bigger

“This is a total disaster!”
✅ You can handle things one small step at a time.

9️⃣ Feelings = Facts

“I feel scared, so something bad will happen.”
✅ Feelings aren’t proof — check the truth.

🔟 “Should” / “Must” Rules

“I should be perfect.”
✅ Doing your best is enough.

🌟 Big Reminder

Your thoughts aren’t the boss — YOU are!
You can notice a tricky thought and change it — any time.

Call now to connect with business.

10/18/2025

FYI the core cognitive distortions of depression/anxiety:

COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS
These are thought patterns that get us down and keep us down that need to change in order to heal depression.

1. Dichotomous reasoning ....is All or nothing thinking...seeing everything as black or white
2. Discounting...eg the good stuff was just luck or..."that wasn't nothin' "
3. Mental filter...focusing on the bad stuff instead...often a judgmental need to see the negative too often
4. Mindreading... AKA jumping to conclusions...assuming
5. Personalizing...like fault finding...their fault, my fault...or "They did it to me"... and ongoing hurt feelings
6. Overgeneralizing... "always"..."never"..."totally"...watch out for charged up words that are secretly toxic
7. Labeling... ie self name calling... or cubbyholing ...stereotyping
8. Magnification... ie making mountains from molehills...blowing things out of proportion...catastrophizing
9, Emotional Reasoning...trying to use hunches and feelings for your logic...justifying feelings as your ultimate proof
10. Automatic Injunctions...Should statements also oughts, musts, have to's...

This is the general list of "depressogenic assumptions". Get it ?...things you automatically assume you should believe and continue to do that get you...and keep you...DEPRESSED ! Perhaps you will find a new depressogenic assumption of your own that is not on the list. If you do, feel free to email me and if it is ubiquitous, I would want to add your newly discovered one to this traditional list. One famous salesman used to say, "I'm doing a checkup from the neckup to get rid of stinkin' thinkin'."

The Remedy
(by the numbers)

1. Think in shades of gray. So many people are actually "proud" of their tendency "of thinking in black and white". It's quite problematic.
2. Take credit where credit is due. Get a consult from a friend. Think about what you would say to your friend in that situation.
3. You just don't HAVE to think negatively. Reframe problems as opportunities. Chose optimistic perspectives. Problems bring gifts.
4. Be data oriented. Ask questions to ensure your view is accurate, look before you leap to a conclusion.
5. Don't fall for the blame game. Don't blame others or yourself. Just do what you can to better the situation.
6. Avoid infinity words. Use often instead of always. Seldom instead of never. And don't see one event as an indication that things can't change.
7. Use less emotional wording. Don't call yourself names, It doesn't help you.
8. You could move a mountain if you go at it one shovel at a time. Don't blow your situation up needlessly.
9. Use the correct tool. Emotions are not meant for logical analysis. Put things on paper to check yourself.
10. As Al Ellis said, "Don't go shoulding all over yourself." Catch "should" "must" ought" and nip them in the bud.

08/21/2025

Quick response ADHD testing on SATURDAY's
text query to 318 617 5711

08/21/2025

FREE ADHD testing on computer for each donation to Dr Webb's Music Mirth Magic & Memory text inquiry 318 617 5711

05/22/2025

Here is Ai's offering of suggested exercises to learn the Tricks for Couples Page

Practical Exercises Based on “Tricks for Couples”
🧠 1. The “I-Feel Flip” Exercise
✅ Goal: Reduce verbal attacks and defensiveness

Instructions:

Take 3 sticky notes each.

On each, write a common fight-starter sentence you tend to say (e.g., “You don’t care,” “You’re always late”).

Now rewrite each using “I” language:

“I feel like I’m not being heard.”

“I get anxious when we’re not on time.”

🔄 Trade notes with your partner and read aloud. Discuss how the tone changed.

🗯️ 2. Infinity Word Detox
✅ Goal: Eliminate dramatic exaggeration and improve fairness in conflict

Instructions:

Pick one day this week.

Each of you watches for the words: “always,” “never,” “totally” in conversation.

Replace them with: “sometimes,” “often,” or “it seems like…”

Keep score for fun, not shame — who caught the most?

✍️ Bonus: Write 2 angry sentences each, then revise using non-infinity words and read aloud to compare the emotional shift.

✍️ 3. Sticky Note Talk (Writing-Only Mini Pact)
✅ Goal: Break reactive verbal cycles

Instructions:

Set a timer (10–20 minutes).

Agree to only communicate in writing — Post-Its, whiteboard, or even text — during that window.

Keep the tone civil. Write what you need, not just what you feel.

👂 Many couples realize they have less to say in anger when they have to write it down.

🪞 4. Reflect and Paraphrase Drill
✅ Goal: Build emotional attunement, especially in neurodiverse or emotionally mismatched couples

Instructions:

One partner shares a personal frustration (30 seconds max).

The other must paraphrase (not parrot) what they heard, e.g.,

“So it sounds like you're saying the clutter makes you feel overwhelmed.”

Partner responds with yes/no, and corrects as needed.

🎯 Switch roles. Do 3 rounds each. This builds the “I hear you” muscle.

💬 5. The 5-to-1 Challenge
✅ Goal: Build a protective buffer of goodwill

Instructions:

For every 1 negative or critical thing you say, make sure 5 positive things follow that day.

They don’t have to be deep — compliments, appreciation, jokes, affection, gratitude all count.

💡 Keep a shared “Good Words Jar.” Every time one of you says a nice thing, write it and toss it in.

Call now to connect with business.

05/22/2025

I asked Ai to develop exercises for couples based on my Tricks for Couples Page on

Was the reference to "tricks" a trick to get you here? Partly, but there are some things you can do to change the tone of interactions with your partner. Many times in dialogue, the second person...

05/18/2025

Top 3 Memory Tips for Elders
Say it Out Loud

Repeat names, places, or things you want to remember.

Example: “My pills are in the red box.”

Use the Same Spot

Keep keys, glasses, and papers in one place.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place!”

Tell Stories

Share old memories with friends or staff.

Your stories keep your memory strong and your heart full.

💡 Fun Ideas to Keep Your Brain Happy
Sing an old song or hum a tune

Tell a joke or a story

Do a word search or simple puzzle

Draw something from memory

Teach someone your favorite recipe

Remember:
You are important. Your stories matter. Your brain can grow strong at any age.

🧠💪 Use it every day!

Would you like this:

As a printable PDF with friendly fonts and images?

Turned into a large-print poster?

Translated into Spanish or adapted for memory care levels?

Ready to customize however you need.

05/17/2025

https://www.drwebbsnonprofit.org/

We Are Committed To Improving Senior's Quality Of Life! We are committed to improving senior's quality of life, by helping improve their focus and memory. We do this with music and magic performances designed to be educational, as well as entertaining and therapeutic. We also encourage sociability a...

05/03/2025

Hello Curious Conspecifics! This is the page for our insurance based clinical practice in family systems medical neuropsychology! T

What a mouthful! That means we treat lots of ADHD and emotional-behavioral disorders.

When I was a kid, my dad was a "physician and surgeon" who seemed to love delivering babies best. I followed him around.

I always felt some type of draw to neurology and was influenced going to Dr. Shipp's house with my dad for continuing ed.

But psychology is the foundation here and we are behavioral engineers trying to be "truly helpful" in helping you and your close kin to adapt and function better.

If you have complexes, as the analysts used to say, or complex coverage with insurance and paperwork needs, the office at 318 868- 2001 is the number for insurance patients.

Cash patients with very simple psych med refills or focused hypnosis training may be able to qualify for direct care under "Simple Clinic" found here on FB.

04/26/2025

This is hilarious but great! I had Ai write me a Token Economy for postive reinforcement behavior mod...for your enjoyment...


TOKEN ECONOMY BEHAVIOR MOD
One sunny morning, as the family sat around the breakfast table, Mrs. Johnson noticed Tyrone clearing the table without being asked. She couldn't help but smile at his responsible behavior.
"Wow, Tyrone, I'm really impressed with how you took the initiative to clear the table," Mrs. Johnson praised him. "That's definitely worth a token!"
Tyrone's eyes lit up with excitement. He loved earning tokens as they brought him one step closer to receiving a special reward. The Johnsons had a chart posted on their refrigerator where they tracked the tokens earned by each family member. The chart had different categories of good behavior, such as completing chores, being respectful, and doing well in school.
To create the token economy for the family, they followed a simple algorithm:
1. Determine the categories of good behavior: Sit down as a family and discuss the types of behavior you want to encourage. Examples could include household chores, homework completion, kindness towards siblings, and following rules.
2. Assign token values: Assign a specific number of tokens for each category of good behavior. For example, completing a chore could be worth two tokens, while doing well in school could be worth five tokens.
3. Create a tracking system: Design a chart or a board where each family member's name is listed, along with the categories of good behavior and their corresponding token values. Leave space to track the number of tokens earned by each family member.
4. Distribute tokens: When a family member displays good behavior, reward them with the corresponding number of tokens. Make sure to provide immediate praise and recognition for their actions.
5. Set rewards: Decide on a set of rewards that can be exchanged for tokens. These rewards could include special outings, extra screen time, a favorite treat, or a small toy. Assign token values to each reward.
6. Allow token redemption: Once a family member accumulates a certain number of tokens, they can choose a reward from the provided options. The number of tokens required for each reward should be clearly displayed.
Back to the Johnsons' story. After receiving a token for clearing the table, Tyrone excitedly added it to his column on the family chart. He was getting closer to the ten tokens needed to go to the vIdeo game story, his ultimate reward.
As weeks went by, the Johnson family saw a positive change in their household. Lily started helping her parents with small chores, and Tyrone consistently completed his homework on time. Their behaviors improved because they were motivated by the token economy system.
One sunny afternoon, when Tyrone reached his goal of ten tokens, the family joy. They packed in the car and headed to MacDonalds for Lily’s treat and Game Stop for Tyrone’s treat.,
The token economy system had not only reinforced positive behavior but also brought the Johnson family closer. It provided an effective way to encourage good habits while fostering a sense of teamwork and shared rewards.
Here's an example of a checklist that the Johnson family could have used to create and maintain their token economy system:
Token Economy System Checklist:
1. Categories of Good Behavior:
• Household Chores
• Homework Completion
• Kindness towards Siblings
• Following Rules
2. Token Values:
• Household Chores: 2 tokens
• Homework Completion: 5 tokens
• Kindness towards Siblings: 3 tokens
• Following Rules: 4 tokens
3. Tracking System:
• Create a chart or board with family members' names and behavior categories.
• Allocate space to track the number of tokens earned by each family member.
• Hang the chart on the refrigerator or another visible location.
4. Token Distribution:
• Parents should immediately provide praise and recognition for displaying good behavior.
• Award the corresponding number of tokens to the child for each category of good behavior.
5. Rewards:
• Discuss and decide on a list of rewards that can be redeemed with tokens.
• Assign token values to each reward to determine the required number of tokens.
6. Token Redemption:
• When a family member accumulates a specific number of tokens, they can choose a reward from the options available.
• Clearly display the number of tokens required for each reward on the chart or board.
(poker chips make nice tokens)