Civil Libertarianism, REBT, and Standing on Principle
Civil Libertarianism
Having been raised under the tenets of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith, even as I now identify as religiously agnostic, I was taught to remain politically neutral. Thus, I don’t vote. Nevertheless, I currently identify with aspects of civil libertarianism, about which one source states:
Civil libertarianism is a strain of political thought that supports civil liberties and rights, or which emphasizes the supremacy of individual rights and personal freedoms over and against any kind of authority (such as a state, a corporation, social norms imposed through peer pressure and so on). It does not refer to economic policy or other aspects of governance typically discussed by libertarians.
In the domain of libertarian philosophy, the primary concern of civil libertarians is the relationship between government and individuals. In theory, civil libertarians seek to restrict this relationship to an absolute minimum in which the state can function and provide basic services and securities without excessively interfering in the lives of its citizens. One key cause of civil libertarianism is upholding free speech. Specifically, civil libertarians oppose bans on hate speech and obscenity.
Civil libertarianism specifically refers to civil issues and personal freedoms. A civil libertarian may not hold traditional libertarian beliefs regarding economy, corporate regulation, housing management, or other aspects of governance. Although they may or may not personally condone behaviors associated with these issues, civil libertarians hold that the advantages of unfettered public discourse outweigh any disadvantages, and that the coercion of speech is inherently wrong.
Per my subjective view, I can remain politically neutral while advocating the strain of political thought that is civil libertarianism. Thus, as I stated in Tyrant or King, “I maintain small ‘l’ libertarian principles.”
For context, a principle is a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption. Now, I invite you to consider how one source draws a distinction between civil libertarianism and progressivism—the political philosophy supported by perhaps most of my professional peers:
What are the key distinctions between civil-libertarians and progressives?
I’m a civil libertarian and not a progressive, so this answer is right in my wheelhouse! To address this issue, we need to define our terms. And yes, I’m answering this question from an American point of view. I can’t speak to how these terms are used in other countries.
For the purposes of this answer, “civil libertarian” means someone who believes that the Bill of Rights must be preserved in whole. Civil libertarians also believe in the expansion of those freedoms that has happened over the years. The right of same-sex couples to marry. The right of minorities to live their lives unmolested. Pretty much anything that expands the right of people to live their lives without other people telling them what to do.
Generally, we believe in the limitation of the state’s police powers to their bare minimum. That’s it. Civil libertarians have a wide range of views on a wide range of issues. Most civil libertarians aren’t “capital L” Libertarians, although most “capital L” Libertarians maintain civil libertarianism as part of their worldview. “Capital L” Libertarians hold a great many more beliefs that I do not share, but that’s not part of the question.
Progressives are a bit harder to pin down, because the definition changes with time. For example, Teddy Roosevelt was a progressive in his own time. But today, he’d be considered far too racist to join the Republican Party, much less to be a progressive. In general, “progressive” means the far left, in whatever form that now manifests itself. Today, that means neo-Marxism.
From these definitions, you can clearly see a problem. While there are certain aspects of neo-Marxism that clearly clash with civil libertarianism, civil libertarianism is, in itself, not exclusive to either side of the political spectrum. Case in point: there are no progressive Republicans (if you’re a progressive Republican, please comment and explain how this is even possible). Conversely, there are civil libertarians in both parties, although most of us are leery of associating with either party, since both parties like to ignore parts of the Bill of Rights that are inconvenient for them.
That said, here are a few clear differences.
· Civil libertarians believe in the right to free speech. Progressives believe in banning “hate speech”. “Hate speech” is defined as anything that goes against the progressive zeitgeist.
· Civil libertarians support the right of free people to keep and bear arms, both as a means of self-defense and to defend against an oppressive government. Progressives support a disarmed populace, because they believe privately-owned firearms cause more harm than good.
· Civil libertarians believe in the right to confront one’s accuser in a criminal trial. Progressives believe that accusers in rape and sexual assault cases shouldn’t have to testify, because it would be too traumatic for the alleged victim.
· Civil libertarians believe that public debate is a good thing, and that exchanging points of view promotes civic health. Progressives believe that everyone who disagrees with them should be de-platformed, since even debating against them will give them undue influence.
Civil libertarians share a great many beliefs with progressives. For one thing, both groups are opposed to senseless foreign wars, the death penalty, and the war on drugs, among other things. But that wasn’t the question. The question was about what makes the two groups different, and I think I’ve summed up the main points of contention.
If this answer gets you fired up, whether because you agree or disagree, don’t forget to go vote! It’s the only real way to change anything. And while all comments are welcome, voting is much more effective than arguing on the internet. It’s your right as an American. That’s something civil libertarians, progressives, and all democratic-minded folks can agree on!
While I appreciate the author’s careful examination regarding the distinction between civil libertarians and progressives, I maintain that you cannot vote your way out of oppression or comply your way out of tyranny. All the same, I value aspects of civil libertarianism.
REBT and Anthony Fauci
When practicing Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I use personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”). For improved understanding, responsibility is defined as the quality or state of being responsible, such as a moral, legal, or mental accountability.
Here, “responsible” is defined as liable to be called to account as the primary cause, motive, or agent, and being able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations—something, such as the demands of conscience or custom, that obligates one to a course of action.
Also, “accountable” is defined as subject to giving an account—a statement explaining one’s conduct. Accountability is defined as the quality or state of being accountable, especially regarding an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.
When providing psychoeducational lessons on REBT, a psychotherapeutic modality which arguably requires that one preferably should take personal ownership in order to reduce self-distress or self-disturbance, I lean heavily on both responsibility and accountability.
This is because I maintain that people have personal agency (a person’s ability to control one’s own reactions to activating events which are beyond one’s own dominion, especially when one’s response is limited by someone or something else). This is a matter of self-empowerment.
REBT uses the ABC model to illustrate that when an undesirable Action occurs and you Believe an unhelpful narrative about the event, it’s your unfavorable assumption, not the occurrence itself, that causes an unpleasant Consequence. This is known as distress or disturbance.
Noteworthy, with virtually any undesirable Action that occurs, it’s your unfavorable Beliefs which cause unpleasant distress or disturbance (Consequence). Given this framing of self-distress and self-disturbance, it’s worth noting that one REBT source states (page 71):
REBT conceptualizes [distress] as healthy even though it is intense. Other approaches to therapy have as their goal the reduction of the intensity of negative emotions. They take this position because they do not keenly differentiate between healthy negative emotions (distress) and unhealthy negative emotions (disturbance).
Now, REBT keenly distinguishes between healthy distress and unhealthy disturbance. Healthy distress stems from your rational beliefs about a negative activating event [Action], whilst disturbance stems from your irrational beliefs about the same event.
Complete elimination of distress is highly unlikely in an impermanent and uncertain world wherein people conceptually suffer, struggle, and battle with, or merely experience hardship. Still, individuals often make matters worse for themselves by disturbing about such instances.
In particular, there are four predominate irrational beliefs which people often use to distress or disturb themselves: global evaluations, low frustration tolerance, awfulizing, and demandingness. When contemplating these unproductive scripts, think of the acronym GLAD.
Worth noting, the two forms of should, must, and ought demands with which people most often distress or disturb are associated with use of absolutistic and conditional beliefs. Generally speaking, these scripts serve as inflexible commands used toward oneself, others, and life.
An absolute must narrative is, “You absolutely must do as I say!” A conditional should narrative is, “Either you should do as I say, or you should be punished!” Noteworthy, in REBT literature, demandingness of this sort is said to function as a primary appraisal mechanism of self-upset.
Global evaluations (i.e., self-downing, other-downing, and life-downing), low frustration tolerance (also known as frustration intolerance), and awfulizing (e.g., terrible, horrible, etc.) function as secondary appraisal mechanisms. Together, GLAD will make you sad or mad, etc.
While still functioning as prescriptive rather than descriptive, flexible use of recommendatory, preferential, ideal, empirical, moral and ethical, and legal ought beliefs won’t inevitably cause disturbance, as they may align with distress. Rigidity versus flexibility makes a difference.
Additionally, from a psychological standpoint, people distress or disturb themselves using a Belief-Consequence (B-C) connection. Of course, this isn’t to suggest that in the context of the naturalistic or physical world there is no Action-Consequence (A-C) connection.
From an A-C view, Anthony Fauci mishandled many aspects of the global response to COVID-19 (Action), as civil rights within the United States (U.S.) were likely infringed (Consequence). For your consideration, I have an entire blog category related to this matter: COVID-19.
Prior to leaving office, then President of the U.S. Joe Biden issued a preemptive full and unconditional pardon to Fauci that covered potential federal offenses between January 1, 2014, and January 19, 2025. Concerning this matter, I stated in This is a Fallible Human Being:
The only conclusion I can say with some degree of confidence is that Fauci is a fallible human being. I, too, am imperfect and so are you. In truth, every human being is fallible.
Just as I’ve never been found guilty of having taken part in an alleged conspiracy (not to be confused with “conspiracy theory”), Fauci apparently hasn’t either – nor will he, at least not anytime soon. This is because outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden has reportedly pardoned Fauci.
Ray Charles, who was blind when alive and has been dead since 2004, could’ve seen this pardon coming. Still, according to one source, “Fauci added that he was ‘very appreciative’ of the preemptive pardon, though he didn’t ask for it. ‘As (Biden) said, we did nothing wrong, but the baseless accusations and threats are real for me and my family,’ Fauci said.”
Legally, without running the risk of defamatory action, who could argue with Fauci’s claim to innocence? He’s received a presidential pardon before participating in a full investigation by president-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Thus, Fauci is, by default, presumed innocent.
Regarding this matter, I’m not self-disturbed. This is true in spite of the fact that many lives were lost, thousands of U.S. personal businesses were dissolved, and an alarming number of my fellow citizens cheered on and begged for authoritarian oppression during the government response to the pandemic.
I didn’t use a B-C connection that led to negative and healthy self-distress or negative and unhealthy self-disturbance. Rather, my rational beliefs about Fauci’s pardon led to healthy indifference. Now, I invite you to consider that one source (8/6/2026) states:
Today’s vote: GOP [Republican] members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci, who guided the US Covid-19 pandemic response, in contempt of Congress.
How we got here: The vote comes after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times in a hearing last week, refusing to answer questions over concerns his responses would be used by Republicans in an attempt to bring charges against him. Committee Chair Rand Paul, who has long sought to blame the pandemic and shortcomings of the US response on Fauci, warned “there will be repercussions for your refusal to testify.”
What happens next: Paul said the committee’s referral would be delivered directly to the attorney general and US District Court today, bypassing a full Senate vote, though he did not rule one out in the future. The Justice Department is then expected to consider whether to charge Fauci with a crime.
Photo credit, property of Comedy Central, fair use
As I understand the matter, Paul’s views align with libertarianism. Yet, I don’t perceive his behavior in this regard as one who’s standing on principle (remaining adamant in or true to one’s values or beliefs). Now, imagine that I, too, didn’t use personal ownership or stand on principle.
Due to Fauci’s behavior, civil liberties were likely infringed (Action). Imagine that I thereafter Believed, “Fauci is scum [G], and I can’t bear to see him go unpunished [L], because that would be terrible [A], so he absolutely must be punished, even if it means compelling his speech [D]!”
With this unaccommodating GLAD Belief, I’d then sacrifice my civil libertarianism views and exhibit the very sort of behavior that civil libertarians oppose (Consequence). Not only wouldn’t I be standing on principle, I’d have self-disturbed to the point whereby I became an oppressor!
Addressing how people upset themselves with unhelpful attitudes, the ABC model incorporates Disputation of unproductive philosophies of life in order to explore Effective new beliefs. Whereas rigid beliefs cause self-disturbance, flexible beliefs result in an un-disturbed condition.
Additionally, REBT uses unconditional acceptance (UA) to relieve self-induced suffering. This is accomplished through use of unconditional self-acceptance (USA), unconditional other-acceptance (UOA), and unconditional life-acceptance (ULA).
With my approach to REBT, I incorporate author Stephen Covey’s concepts regarding the circles of control, influence, and concern, as well as an area of no concern. UA maps onto the circle of control (USA), circle of influence (UOA), and circle of concern and area of no concern (ULA).
The circle of control encompasses only oneself, the circle of influence encapsulates elements which may be subject to one’s sway, the circle of concern engrosses most matters one can imagine, and the area of no concern relates to all content which isn’t yet imagined.
Regarding the circle of control and USA, I know that I’m a fallible human being. Concerning the circle of influence and UOA, I acknowledge that Fauci is also a flawed human being. Relating to the circle of concern and ULA, the past is inalterable, as are archaic COVID-19 measures.
As for the area of no concern, the imaginary realm in which COVID-19 never existed, that’s not even worth entertaining. Therefore, in order to stand on principle while maintaining my civil libertarian views, I make use of REBT so that I don’t self-disturb into becoming an oppressor.
Conclusion
Despite having been raised to remain politically neutral, I’ve adopted a strain of political thought known as civil libertarianism. This isn’t the same as progressivism, which is a political perspective used by most of my professional peers. The latter is oppressive, as the former isn’t.
Herein, I’ve detailed how REBT works, and provided an example of Fauci and Paul’s political differences as a matter worth considering. Specifically, if one doesn’t take personal ownership of one’s own reactions and practice REBT, then one may self-disturb and fail to stand on principle.
Even if you disagree with my civil libertarian views, especially the fact that I don’t vote, can you perhaps contemplate use of REBT as a method for rational living? Maybe Fauci is to blame for the botched response to COVID-19, though he isn’t to blame for your reaction to his behavior.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Brooker2x. (2019, August 2). Dave Chappelle plead GIF [Image]. Tenor. Retrieved from https://tenor.com/view/dave-chappelle-plead-fif-fifth-amendment-gif-14691381
CNN. (2026, August 6). Senate committee votes to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/06/politics/live-news/fauci-contempt-hearing
David, D. (2014, January). The empirical status of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) theory & practice. Albert Ellis Institute. Retrieved from https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=26813393d7370232253cf964c38a4a03d98b0b97
DOJ. (n.d.). Executive grant of clemency. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/pardon/media/1385746/dl?inline
Dryden, W. and Neenan, M. (2006). Rational emotive behaviour therapy: 100 key points and techniques. Routledge. Retrieved from https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/4b0e2552-2a18-4998-b44f-3a993148f7ac/downloads/REBT%202.pdf?ver=1627365797554
Hollings, D. (2024, September 23). 2A inaction. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/2a-inaction
Hollings, D. (2025, March 2). A demanded thing is a necessary one. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-demanded-thing-is-a-necessary-one
Hollings, D. (2026, June 16). A fountain of goodness: Subjective and objective views. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-fountain-of-goodness-subjective-and-objective-views
Hollings, D. (2024, July 18). A principled stance on free speech. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-principled-stance-on-free-speech
Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Absolutistic should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/absolutistic-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, March 7). Accepting what is. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/accepting-what-is
Hollings, D. (2025, February 19). Acronym symbolizing any purpose. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/acronym-symbolizing-any-purpose
Hollings, D. (2026, February 8). Adaptive and maladaptive emotions and behavior. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/adaptive-and-maladaptive-emotions-and-behavior
Hollings, D. (2025, October 19). Adhering to invisible scripts. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/adhering-to-invisible-scripts
Hollings, D. (2023, October 21). Appeal to authority. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/appeal-to-authority
Hollings, D. (2025, September 13). Are your actions ruled by reason? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/are-your-actions-ruled-by-reason
Hollings, D. (2024, November 15). Assumptions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/assumptions
Hollings, D. (2024, August 7). Awfulizing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/awfulizing
Hollings, D. (2025, December 2). Being a good person: You cannot perfect the imperfectible. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/being-a-good-person-you-cannot-perfect-the-imperfectible
Hollings, D. (2022, November 18). Big T, little t. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/big-t-little-t
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Blog – Categories: COVID-19. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/blog/categories/covid-19
Hollings, D. (2025, November 17). Bloodbending: A moral and ethical dilemma regarding control. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/bloodbending-a-moral-and-ethical-dilemma-regarding-control
Hollings, D. (2025, October 23). Bringing together sound teaching with sound conduct. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/bringing-together-sound-teaching-with-sound-conduct
Hollings, D. (2022, May 17). Circle of concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/circle-of-concern
Hollings, D. (2024, July 11). Concern and no concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/concern-and-no-concern
Hollings, D. (2026, February 19). Conclusions in search of rationale. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/conclusions-in-search-of-rationale
Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Conditional should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/conditional-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2026, February 12). Consciousness: Reach your soul. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consciousness-reach-your-soul
Hollings, D. (2024, July 6). Conspiracy theories. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/conspiracy-theories
Hollings, D. (2023, April 22). Control. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/control
Hollings, D. (2025, October 3). Control and influence: A soft center and coated in a candy shell. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/control-and-influence-a-soft-center-and-coated-in-a-candy-shell
Hollings, D. (2025, September 6). Control what you can. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/control-what-you-can
Hollings, D. (2023, March 12). Controlling the flow of harm. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/controlling-the-flow-of-harm
Hollings, D. (2024, October 27). Correlation does not imply causation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/correlation-does-not-imply-causation
Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness
Hollings, D. (2022, October 5). Description vs. prescription. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/description-vs-prescription
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2025, March 12). Distress vs. disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/distress-vs-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2025, August 19). Doing right or wrong, as they see it. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/doing-right-or-wrong-as-they-see-it
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Empirical should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/empirical-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2024, December 30). Empowerment. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/empowerment
Hollings, D. (2025, December 5). Evaluations and appraisals: Men are gross, trash, and pigs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/evaluations-and-appraisals-men-are-gross-trash-and-pigs
Hollings, D. (2026, April 1). Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/every-time-someone-tries-to-win-a-war-before-it-starts-innocent-people-die
Hollings, D. (2026, July 27). Examination of consequences and allowing for time outs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/examination-of-consequences-and-allowing-for-time-outs
Hollings, D. (2025, May 15). External things can’t fix internal issues. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/external-things-can-t-fix-internal-issues
Hollings, D. (2026, March 17). Facts and inferences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/facts-and-inferences
Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
Hollings, D. (2024, May 11). Fallible human being. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fallible-human-being
Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1
Hollings, D. (2026, February 13). Five, four, three… beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/five-four-three-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (2023, September 13). Global evaluations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/global-evaluations
Hollings, D. (2024, April 13). Goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/goals
Hollings, D. (2025, October 4). Hate speech. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/hate-speech
Hollings, D. (2024, August 9). Healthy concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/healthy-concern
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2026, May 16). I’m finding it hard to believe we’re in Heaven or Hell: Agnostic. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/i-m-finding-it-hard-to-believe-we-re-in-heaven-or-hell-agnostic
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Ideal should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ideal-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2025, October 4). Ignorance about the Americans. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ignorance-about-the-americas
Hollings, D. (2024, October 21). Impermanence and uncertainty. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/impermanence-and-uncertainty
Hollings, D. (2025, September 21). Impugning motive: Swallowing a toad. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/impugning-motive-swallowing-a-toad
Hollings, D. (2025, July 23). Indifference: How much more relaxed would you be? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/indifference-how-much-more-relaxed-would-you-be
Hollings, D. (2024, February 14). Insufferable vs. undesirable. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/insufferable-vs-undesirable
Hollings, D. (2026, March 18). It must be two sides. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/it-must-be-two-sides
Hollings, D. (2025, October 13). Knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/knowledge-wisdom-understanding
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Legal should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/legal-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2026, May 31). Let freedom ring, and then go rest high on that mountain. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/let-freedom-ring-and-then-go-rest-high-on-that-mountain
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2025, January 8). Life-downing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-downing
Hollings, D. (2022, December 2). Low frustration tolerance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/low-frustration-tolerance
Hollings, D. (2024, April 3). Maybe you’re the racist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/maybe-you-re-the-racist
Hollings, D. (2025, April 16). Mentally corrupt decisions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mentally-corrupt-decisions
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Moral and ethical should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/moral-and-ethical-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2024, September 27). My attitude. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/my-attitude
Hollings, D. (2025, August 2). My philosophy. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/my-philosophy
Hollings, D. (2025, September 8). Need to know. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/need-to-know
Hollings, D. (2025, April 13). Non-aggression principle – Don’t put your hands on me. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/non-aggression-principle-don-t-put-your-hands-on-me
Hollings, D. (2025, March 15). Nonpartisan principle. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/nonpartisan-principle
Hollings, D. (2025, November 3). Normativity standard. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/normativity-standard
Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth
Hollings, D. (2025, January 7). Other-downing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/other-downing
Hollings, D. (2026, April 19). Outcome: Victim mentality and playing the victim. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/outcome-victim-mentality-and-playing-the-victim
Hollings, D. (2026, April 20). Overconfidence: To thine own self be true. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/overconfidence-to-thine-own-self-be-true
Hollings, D. (2025, April 9). Perception, action, and will. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perception-action-and-will
Hollings, D. (2024, February 24). Personal agency. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-agency
Hollings, D. (2022, November 7). Personal ownership. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-ownership
Hollings, D. (2025, September 9). Personal responsibility and accountability. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-responsibility-and-accountability
Hollings, D. (2026, April 13). PLUR: Addressing sexual assault and rape. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/plur-addressing-sexual-assault-and-rape
Hollings, D. (2026, June 15). Point of view. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/point-of-view
Hollings, D. (2026, May 9). Political violence: Freedom’s got a shotgun. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/political-violence-freedom-s-got-a-shotgun
Hollings, D. (2025, September 19). Power. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/power
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Preferential should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/preferential-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2024, May 26). Principles. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/principles
Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation
Hollings, D. (2023, September 15). Psychotherapeutic modalities. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapeutic-modalities
Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist
Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
Hollings, D. (2024, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living
Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Rational vs. irrational. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-vs-irrational
Hollings, D. (2024, July 18). REBT flexibility. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rebt-flexibility
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Recommendatory should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/recommendatory-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, February 17). Revisiting the circle of control. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/revisiting-the-circle-of-control
Hollings, D. (2024, January 4). Rigid vs. rigorous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-vs-rigorous
Hollings, D. (2026, July 7). Self-distress and distress tolerance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-distress-and-distress-tolerance
Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2025, January 6). Self-downing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-downing
Hollings, D. (2026, April 21). Self-upset. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-upset
Hollings, D. (2025, May 21). Shadez of oppression. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/shadez-of-oppression
Hollings, D. (2022, October 7). Should, must, and ought. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/should-must-and-ought
Hollings, D. (2025, December 24). Some people advocate walking. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/some-people-advocate-walking
Hollings, D. (2026, February 22). Some people have more advantages than others. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/some-people-have-more-advantages-than-others
Hollings, D. (2024, February 27). Suffering, struggling, and battling vs. experiencing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/suffering-struggling-and-battling-vs-experiencing
Hollings, D. (2025, August 6). Take an inventory of your obligations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/take-an-inventory-of-your-obligations
Hollings, D. (2022, December 23). The A-C connection. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-a-c-connection
Hollings, D. (2025, December 21). The awful, very bad, horrible, terrible, no good, unacceptable elements of life. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-awful-very-bad-horrible-terrible-no-good-unacceptable-elements-of-life
Hollings, D. (2022, December 25). The B-C connection. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-b-c-connection
Hollings, D. (2025, October 22). The construct. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-construct
Hollings, D. (2022, November 2). The critical A. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-critical-a
Hollings, D. (2025, January 2). The distinction between law and justice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-distinction-between-law-and-justice
Hollings, D. (2025, April 25). The people, they are getting so crazy. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-people-they-are-getting-so-crazy
Hollings, D. (2026, February 21). The preferences versus expectations paradigm: Love is not enough, though virtue is. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-preferences-versus-expectations-paradigm-love-is-not-enough-though-virtue-is
Hollings, D. (2026, April 6). The problem-solution dialectic: A wicked problem. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-problem-solution-dialectic-a-wicked-problem
Hollings, D. (2025, November 6). The senses and self-defense. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-senses-and-self-defense
Hollings, D. (2025, April 15). This cake smells unpleasant. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/this-cake-smells-unpleasant
Hollings, D. (2025, January 20). This is a fallible human being. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/this-is-a-fallible-human-being
Hollings, D. (2023, February 16). Tna. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/__tna
Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal
Hollings, D. (2025, January 9). Traditional ABC model. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/traditional-abc-model
Hollings, D. (2026, March 14). Trolley problem: Distress or disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/trolley-problem-distress-or-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2025, July 2). Tyrant or king? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/tyrant-or-king
Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux
Hollings, D. (2023, March 11). Unconditional life-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-life-acceptance
Hollings, D. (2023, February 25). Unconditional other-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-other-acceptance
Hollings, D. (2023, March 1). Unconditional self-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-self-acceptance
Hollings, D. (2024, March 18). Unhealthy vs. healthy negative emotions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unhealthy-vs-healthy-negative-emotions
Hollings, D. (2024, October 26). Unhelpful expectations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unhelpful-expectations
Hollings, D. (2025, February 9). Value. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/value
Hollings, D. (2024, November 24). Values. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/values
Hollings, D. (2025, September 28). War crimes: A rational course of action. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/war-crimes-a-rational-course-of-action
Hollings, D. (2025, July 18). We decide whether to label something good or bad. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ we-decide-whether-to-label-something-good-or-bad
Hollings, D. (2023, October 10). When others don’t share your worldview. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/when-others-don-t-share-your-worldview
Hollings, D. (2025, January 10). Who is the one to blame? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/who-is-the-one-to-blame
Hollings, D. (2026, May 8). You cannot vote your way out of oppression or comply your way out of tyranny. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/you-cannot-cote-your-way-out-of-oppression-or-comply-your-way-out-of-tyranny
Hollings, D. (2025, December 10). You shouldn’t have went there. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/you-shouldn-t-have-went-there
Hollings, D. (2024, November 5). You’ll enjoy yourselves. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/you-ll-enjoy-yourselves
Hollings, D. (2026, March 26). You’ll have suffered twice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/you-ll-have-suffered-twice
Liptak, K. and Saenz, A. (2025, January 20). Biden issues preemptive pardons for Milley, Fauci and Jan. 6 committee members. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/joe-biden-preemptive-pardons/index.html
Long, C. and Miller, Z. (2025, January 20). Biden pardons Fauci and Milley in an effort to guard against potential ‘revenge’ by Trump. The Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-fauci-milley-pardons-january-6-3cba287f89051513fb48d7ae700ae747
Seamna, J. (n.d.). Federal conspiracy law (Mp3). Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. Retrieved from https://www.fletc.gov/audio/federal-conspiracy-law-mp3
Toler, D. (2020). What are the key distinctions between civil-libertarians and progressives? Quora. Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-key-distinctions-between-civil-libertarians-and-progressives
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Anthony Fauci. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Fauci
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Authoritarianism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authoritarianism
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Capital punishment. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Civil and political rights. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_and_political_rights
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Civil libertarianism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_libertarianism
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Civil liberties. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_liberties
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Coercion. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coercion
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Corporation. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation
Wikipedia. (n.d.). COVID-19. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Deplatforming. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deplatforming
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Disadvantage. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disadvantage
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Donald Trump. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Economic policy. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_policy
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Far-left politics. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-left_politics
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Individual and group rights. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_and_group_rights
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Jehovah’s Witnesses. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Joe Biden. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Biden
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Libertarianism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarianism
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Neo-Marxism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Marxism
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Obscenity. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obscenity
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Peer pressure. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_pressure
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Political philosophy. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_philosophy
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Progressivism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressivism
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Public debate. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_debate
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Rand Paul. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rand_Paul
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ray Charles. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Charles
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Republican Party (United States). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Sovereign state. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_state
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Stephen Covey. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Covey
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Theodore Roosevelt. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt
Wikipedia. (n.d.). United States Bill of Rights. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights
Wikipedia. (n.d.). United States Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Justice
Wikipedia. (n.d.). United States district court. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_district_court
Wikipedia. (n.d.). United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_Committee_on_Homeland_Security_and_Governmental_Affairs
Wikipedia. (n.d.). War on drugs. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_drugs
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Zeitgeist. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeist
