Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was developed in the 1960s by Aaron T. Beck. CBT aims to change a person’s maladaptive behaviors through identifying and changing distorted thought patterns and negative emotional responses. Treatment is done through conversation and collaboration between the patient and the therapist. CBT has received an incredibly substantial amount of empirical study, validation, and clinical application.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was developed in the 1960s by Aaron T. Beck. CBT aims to change a person’s maladaptive behaviors through identifying and changing distorted thought patterns and negative emotional responses. Treatment is done through conversation and collaboration between the patient and the therapist. CBT has received an incredibly substantial amount of empirical study, validation, and clinical application.
Find other natural remedies for depression.
The basic premise underlying CBT, whether it is conducted with an individual, family, couple or in a group, is that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are inter-related, so altering one can help to alleviate difficulties in another. For instance, changing negative thoughts about oneself can lead to less sadness and anxiety, and more willingness to try new activities and work on improving relationships.
Common Treatment Strategies
There are numerous techniques used in CBT, so the list below is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the needs of the particular client, therapy is likely to involve some of the following:8
Responses to unhealthy thinking:
'Cognitive restructuring' involves trying to re-evaluate the negative thinking patterns that maintain distorted beliefs about oneself, the world, and relating to others. For instance, a person with social phobia could be taught to challenge his or her assumption that social rejection is inevitable.
Strategies to promote more effective problem solving and decision-making are emphad.
'Mindfulness' techniques help clients gain some distance from their negative thinking so they can recognize that thoughts do not have to determine behaviors.
Responses to unhealthy behaviors:
Clients are taught how to gradually start to re-enter situations they have been avoiding (e.g., because of fear in anxiety disorders, or low motivation in depression). This is not done in a coercive way; instead, clients learn how to gain a sense of control and predictability in situations that previously seemed overwhelming.
Activities that provide a sense of pleasure or mastery are planned to promote a more enjoyable and fulfilling life
Training in new skills may be provided, such as how to communicate more effectively, be assertive, or enhance social interactions.
Responses to painful feelings:
Clients are sometimes taught how to work on accepting or tolerating painful emotions, and sometimes taught how to try to change those emotions in the moment.
Relaxation exercises are often included to help reduce overall stress.
Strategies to manage extreme emotional reactions are taught, such as ways to deal with intense anger or urges to harm oneself.
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While there are no serious side effects stemming from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT is not for everyone and another type of treatment may work better for different individuals. CBT is also not a quick fix. A therapist is like a personal trainer that advises and encourages - but cannot 'do' it for you. This will take an investment of time and money on the individual’s part. Moreover, if you are feeling low energy, depressed, or anxious, it can be difficult to concentrate and get motivated and CBT relies on the individual engaging with the process, trying new strategies, and completing “homework” in between sessions. You need to have a certain degree of motivation to benefit from CBT. Lastly, to overcome anxiety or any other psychological disturbance, you need to confront it. This may lead you to feel more anxious for a short time.2 However, if you are able to tolerate this, you may benefit from CBT and ultimately feel some relief from your symptoms. A good therapist will pace your sessions. You decide what you do together, so you stay in control and take on what you feel comfortable with.
Cognitive therapy was developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s as a structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression. The practice of cognitive therapy was directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior.1Since that time, Beck and others have successfully adapted this therapy to a wide array of psychiatric disorders and populations. The cognitive model proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking is common to all psychological disturbances and subsequently influences the patient’s mood and behavior.2Realistic evaluation and modification of thoughts are one aspect of cognitive treatment with a patient’s improvement resulting from the modification of those underlying dysfunctional beliefs.2 The therapist seeks in a variety of ways to produce cognitive change—change in an individual’s thinking and belief system—in order to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy have been developed by other theorists as well such as Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy,3Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral modification,4 and Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy.5 Cognitive therapy has been extensively tested since the first outcome study was published in 1977.6 Controlled studies have proven its efficacy in the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders. By a wide margin, CBT has more evidence from well-controlled research showing that it works for specified disorders than any other treatment. For example, according to a review article in 2001, approximately 80% of the treatments for specific disorders (for both adults and children) characterized as having research support fall within the CBT class.7 Consequently, CBT predominates among empirically supported treatments for particular disorders.
References
1Beck, A. T. (1964). Thinking and depression: II. Theory and therapy. Archives of General Psychiatry, 10, 561-571.
2Beck, J. S. (1995). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. New York: The Guilford Press.
3Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Lyle Stuart.
4Meichenbaum, D. (1977). Cognitive-behavior modification: An integrative approach. New York: Plenum Press.
5Lazarus, A. (1976). Multimodal behavior therapy. New York: Springer.
6Rush, A. J., Beck, A. T., Kovacs, M., & Hollon, S. D. (1977). Comparative efficacy of cognitive therapy and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of depressed outpatients. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 1(1), 17-37.
7Chambless, D. L., & Ollendick, T. H. (2001). Empirically supported psychological interventions: Controversies and evidence. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 685-716.
Cognitive therapy was developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s as a structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression. The practice of cognitive therapy was directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior.1Since that time, Beck and others have successfully adapted this therapy to a wide array of psychiatric disorders and populations. The cognitive model proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking is common to all psychological disturbances and subsequently influences the patient’s mood and behavior.2Realistic evaluation and modification of thoughts are one aspect of cognitive treatment with a patient’s improvement resulting from the modification of those underlying dysfunctional beliefs.2 The therapist seeks in a variety of ways to produce cognitive change—change in an individual’s thinking and belief system—in order to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy have been developed by other theorists as well such as Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy,3Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral modification,4 and Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy.5 Cognitive therapy has been extensively tested since the first outcome study was published in 1977.6 Controlled studies have proven its efficacy in the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders. By a wide margin, CBT has more evidence from well-controlled research showing that it works for specified disorders than any other treatment. For example, according to a review article in 2001, approximately 80% of the treatments for specific disorders (for both adults and children) characterized as having research support fall within the CBT class.7 Consequently, CBT predominates among empirically supported treatments for particular disorders.
The basic premise underlying CBT, whether it is conducted with an individual, family, couple or in a group, is that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are inter-related, so altering one can help to alleviate difficulties in another. For instance, changing negative thoughts about oneself can lead to less sadness and anxiety, and more willingness to try new activities and work on improving relationships.
Common Treatment Strategies
There are numerous techniques used in CBT, so the list below is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the needs of the particular client, therapy is likely to involve some of the following:8
Responses to unhealthy thinking:
'Cognitive restructuring' involves trying to re-evaluate the negative thinking patterns that maintain distorted beliefs about oneself, the world, and relating to others. For instance, a person with social phobia could be taught to challenge his or her assumption that social rejection is inevitable.
Strategies to promote more effective problem solving and decision-making are emphad.
'Mindfulness' techniques help clients gain some distance from their negative thinking so they can recognize that thoughts do not have to determine behaviors.
Responses to unhealthy behaviors:
Clients are taught how to gradually start to re-enter situations they have been avoiding (e.g., because of fear in anxiety disorders, or low motivation in depression). This is not done in a coercive way; instead, clients learn how to gain a sense of control and predictability in situations that previously seemed overwhelming.
Activities that provide a sense of pleasure or mastery are planned to promote a more enjoyable and fulfilling life
Training in new skills may be provided, such as how to communicate more effectively, be assertive, or enhance social interactions.
Responses to painful feelings:
Clients are sometimes taught how to work on accepting or tolerating painful emotions, and sometimes taught how to try to change those emotions in the moment.
Relaxation exercises are often included to help reduce overall stress.
Strategies to manage extreme emotional reactions are taught, such as ways to deal with intense anger or urges to harm oneself.
_
The basic premise underlying CBT, whether it is conducted with an individual, family, couple or in a group, is that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are inter-related, so altering one can help to alleviate difficulties in another. For instance, changing negative thoughts about oneself can lead to less sadness and anxiety, and more willingness to try new activities and work on improving relationships.
Common Treatment Strategies
There are numerous techniques used in CBT, so the list below is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the needs of the particular client, therapy is likely to involve some of the following:8
Responses to unhealthy thinking:
'Cognitive restructuring' involves trying to re-evaluate the negative thinking patterns that maintain distorted beliefs about oneself, the world, and relating to others. For instance, a person with social phobia could be taught to challenge his or her assumption that social rejection is inevitable.
Strategies to promote more effective problem solving and decision-making are emphad.
'Mindfulness' techniques help clients gain some distance from their negative thinking so they can recognize that thoughts do not have to determine behaviors.
Responses to unhealthy behaviors:
Clients are taught how to gradually start to re-enter situations they have been avoiding (e.g., because of fear in anxiety disorders, or low motivation in depression). This is not done in a coercive way; instead, clients learn how to gain a sense of control and predictability in situations that previously seemed overwhelming.
Activities that provide a sense of pleasure or mastery are planned to promote a more enjoyable and fulfilling life
Training in new skills may be provided, such as how to communicate more effectively, be assertive, or enhance social interactions.
Responses to painful feelings:
Clients are sometimes taught how to work on accepting or tolerating painful emotions, and sometimes taught how to try to change those emotions in the moment.
Relaxation exercises are often included to help reduce overall stress.
Strategies to manage extreme emotional reactions are taught, such as ways to deal with intense anger or urges to harm oneself.
_
The basic premise underlying CBT, whether it is conducted with an individual, family, couple or in a group, is that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are inter-related, so altering one can help to alleviate difficulties in another. For instance, changing negative thoughts about oneself can lead to less sadness and anxiety, and more willingness to try new activities and work on improving relationships.
<divrong>Common Common Treatment Strategiesdiv Strategies
There are numerous techniques used in CBT, so the list below is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the needs of the particular client, therapy is likely to involve some of the following:8
<divrong>Responses Responses to unhealthy thinking:div
· 'Cognitive restructuring' involves trying to re-evaluate the negative thinking patterns that maintain distorted beliefs about oneself, the world, and relating to others. For instance, a person with social phobia could be taught to challenge his or her assumption that social rejection is inevitable.
· Strategies to promote more effective problem solving and decision-making are emphad.
· 'Mindfulness' techniques help clients gain some distance from their negative thinking so they can recognize that thoughts do not have to determine behaviors.
Responses to unhealthy behaviors:
· Clients are taught how to gradually start to re-enter situations they have been avoiding (e.g., because of fear in anxiety disorders, or low motivation in depression). This is not done in a coercive way; instead, clients learn how to gain a sense of control and predictability in situations that previously seemed overwhelming.
· Activities that provide a sense of pleasure or mastery are planned to promote a more enjoyable and fulfilling life .
· Training in new skills may be provided, such as how to communicate more effectively, be assertive, or enhance social interactions.
Responses to painful feelings:
· Clients are sometimes taught how to work on accepting or tolerating painful emotions, and sometimes taught how to try to change those emotions in the moment.
· Relaxationexercises Relaxation exercises are often included to help reduce overall stress.
· Strategies to manage extreme emotional reactions are taught, such as ways to deal with intense anger or urges to harm oneself.
_ </divrong></divrong>
Cognitive therapy was developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s as a structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression. The practice of cognitive therapy was directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior.1Since that time, Beck and others have successfully adapted this therapy to a wide array of psychiatric disorders and populations. The cognitive model proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking is common to all psychological disturbances and subsequently influences the patient’s mood and behavior.2Realistic evaluation and modification of thoughts are one aspect of cognitive treatment with a patient’s improvement resulting from the modification of those underlying dysfunctional beliefs.2 The therapist seeks in a variety of ways to produce cognitive change—change in an individual’s thinking and belief system—in order to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy have been developed by other theorists as well such as Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy,3Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral modification,4 and Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy.5 Cognitive therapy has been extensively tested since the first outcome study was published in 1977.6 Controlled studies have proven its efficacy in the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders. By a wide margin, CBT has more evidence from well-controlled research showing that it works for specified disorders than any other treatment. For example, according to a review article in 2001, approximately 80% of the treatments for specific disorders (for both adults and children) characterized as having research support fall within the CBT class.7 Consequently, CBT predominates among empirically supported treatments for particular disorders.
Cognitive therapy was developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s as a structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression. The practice of cognitive therapy was directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior.1Since that time, Beck and others have successfully adapted this therapy to a wide array of psychiatric disorders and populations. The cognitive model proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking is common to all psychological disturbances and subsequently influences the patient’s mood and behavior.2Realistic evaluation and modification of thoughts are one aspect of cognitive treatment with a patient’s improvement resulting from the modification of those underlying dysfunctional beliefs.2 The therapist seeks in a variety of ways to produce cognitive change—change in an individual’s thinking and belief system—in order to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy have been developed by other theorists as well such as Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy,3Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral modification,4 and Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy.5 Cognitive therapy has been extensively tested since the first outcome study was published in 1977.6 Controlled studies have proven its efficacy in the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders. By a wide margin, CBT has more evidence from well-controlled research showing that it works for specified disorders than any other treatment. For example, according to a review article in 2001, approximately 80% of the treatments for specific disorders (for both adults and children) characterized as having research support fall within the CBT class.7 Consequently, CBT predominates among empirically supported treatments for particular disorders.
Cognitive therapy was developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s as a structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression. The practice of cognitive therapy was directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior.1Since that time, Beck and others have successfully adapted this therapy to a wide array of psychiatric disorders and populations. The cognitive model proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking is common to all psychological disturbances and subsequently influences the patient’s mood and behavior.2Realistic evaluation and modification of thoughts are one aspect of cognitive treatment with a patient’s improvement resulting from the modification of those underlying dysfunctional beliefs.2 The therapist seeks in a variety of ways to produce cognitive change—change in an individual’s thinking and belief system—in order to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy have been developed by other theorists as well such as Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy,3Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral modification,4 and Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy.5 Cognitive therapy has been extensively tested since the first outcome study was published in 1977.6 Controlled studies have proven its efficacy in the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders. By a wide margin, CBT has more evidence from well-controlled research showing that it works for specified disorders than any other treatment. For example, according to a review article in 2001, approximately 80% of the treatments for specific disorders (for both adults and children) characterized as having research support fall within the CBT class.7 Consequently, CBT predominates among empirically supported treatments for particular disorders.
While there are no serious side effects stemming from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT is not for everyone and another type of treatment may work better for different individuals. CBT is also not a quick fix. A therapist is like a personal trainer that advises and encourages - but cannot 'do' it for you. This will take an investment of time and money on the individual’s part. Moreover, if you are feeling low energy, depressed, or anxious, it can be difficult to concentrate and get motivated and CBT relies on the individual engaging with the process, trying new strategies, and completing “homework” in between sessions. You need to have a certain degree of motivation to benefit from CBT. Lastly, to overcome anxiety or any other psychological disturbance, you need to confront it. This may lead you to feel more anxious for a short time.2 However, if you are able to tolerate this, you may benefit from CBT and ultimately feel some relief from your symptoms. A good therapist will pace your sessions. You decide what you do together, so you stay in control and take on what you feel comfortable with. References1Williams, C. J. (2001). Overcomingdepression. London: Arnold.
While there are no serious side effects stemming from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT is not for everyone and another type of treatment may work better for different individuals. CBT is also not a quick fix. A therapist is like a personal trainer that advises and encourages - but cannot 'do' it for you. This will take an investment of time and money on the individual’s part. Moreover, if you are feeling low energy, depressed, or anxious, it can be difficult to concentrate and get motivated and CBT relies on the individual engaging with the process, trying new strategies, and completing “homework” in between sessions. You need to have a certain degree of motivation to benefit from CBT. Lastly, to overcome anxiety or any other psychological disturbance, you need to confront it. This may lead you to feel more anxious for a short time.2 However, if you are able to tolerate this, you may benefit from CBT and ultimately feel some relief from your symptoms. A good therapist will pace your sessions. You decide what you do together, so you stay in control and take on what you feel comfortable with.
While there are no serious side effects stemming from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT is not for everyone and another type of treatment may work better for different individuals. CBT is also not a quick fix. A therapist is like a personal trainer that advises and encourages - but cannot 'do' it for you. This will take an investment of time and money on the individual’s part. Moreover, if you are feeling low energy, depressed, or anxious, it can be difficult to concentrate and get motivated and CBT relies on the individual engaging with the process, trying new strategies, and completing “homework” in between sessions. You need to have a certain degree of motivation to benefit from CBT. Lastly, to overcome anxiety or any other psychological disturbance, you need to confront it. This may lead you to feel more anxious for a short time.2 However, if you are able to tolerate this, you may benefit from CBT and ultimately feel some relief from your symptoms. A good therapist will pace your sessions. You decide what you do together, so you stay in control and take on what you feel comfortable with.
Cognitive therapy was developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s as a structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression. The practice of cognitive therapy was directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior.1Since that time, Beck and others have successfully adapted this therapy to a wide array of psychiatric disorders and populations. The cognitive model proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking is common to all psychological disturbances and subsequently influences the patient’s mood and behavior.2Realistic evaluation and modification of thoughts are one aspect of cognitive treatment with a patient’s improvement resulting from the modification of those underlying dysfunctional beliefs.2 The therapist seeks in a variety of ways to produce cognitive change—change in an individual’s thinking and belief system—in order to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
Various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy have been developed by other theorists as well such as Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy,3Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral modification,4 and Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy.5 Cognitive therapy has been extensively tested since the first outcome study was published in 1977.6 Controlled studies have proven its efficacy in the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders. By a wide margin, CBT has more evidence from well-controlled research showing that it works for specified disorders than any other treatment. For example, according to a review article in 2001, approximately 80% of the treatments for specific disorders (for both adults and children) characterized as having research support fall within the CBT class.7 Consequently, CBT predominates among empirically supported treatments for particular disorders.
The basic premise underlying CBT, whether it is conducted with an individual, family, couple or in a group, is that thoughts, feelings and behaviors are inter-related, so altering one can help to alleviate difficulties in another. For instance, changing negative thoughts about oneself can lead to less sadness and anxiety, and more willingness to try new activities and work on improving relationships.
Common Treatment Strategies
There are numerous techniques used in CBT, so the list below is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the needs of the particular client, therapy is likely to involve some of the following:8
Responses to unhealthy thinking:
'Cognitive restructuring' involves trying to re-evaluate the negative thinking patterns that maintain distorted beliefs about oneself, the world, and relating to others. For instance, a person with social phobia could be taught to challenge his or her assumption that social rejection is inevitable.
Strategies to promote more effective problem solving and decision-making are emphad.
'Mindfulness' techniques help clients gain some distance from their negative thinking so they can recognize that thoughts do not have to determine behaviors.
Responses to unhealthy behaviors:
Clients are taught how to gradually start to re-enter situations they have been avoiding (e.g., because of fear in anxiety disorders, or low motivation in depression). This is not done in a coercive way; instead, clients learn how to gain a sense of control and predictability in situations that previously seemed overwhelming.
Activities that provide a sense of pleasure or mastery are planned to promote a more enjoyable and fulfilling life
Training in new skills may be provided, such as how to communicate more effectively, be assertive, or enhance social interactions.
Responses to painful feelings:
Clients are sometimes taught how to work on accepting or tolerating painful emotions, and sometimes taught how to try to change those emotions in the moment.
Relaxation exercises are often included to help reduce overall stress.
Strategies to manage extreme emotional reactions are taught, such as ways to deal with intense anger or urges to harm oneself.
_
