An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract Distinguishing between types of therapies is beneficial for those seeking to make change within social settings with specific or unique needs. Family centered therapies are one of the many different therapy strategies that can be applied to facilitate change. However while individual therapy tends to be defined as a relationship between two individuals with the purpose of achieving therapeutic change, the family systems therapy approach takes a more integrated process towards the close social units in which the individual seeking therapy resides. This paper identifies differences between the traditional individual therapy style of therapy and the family systems therapy approach.
Abstract This paper details the benefits of solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), which was introduced as an alternative method of treatment, which could be accomplished in a shorter period of time, as opposed to the more traditional forms of long-term therapy and psychoanalysis. The writer contends and explains why SFBT is significantly more efficient in terms of time, scope and cost when compared to long-term therapy. This paper delves into the literature and research published on this particular form of therapy. This paper cites the various techniques involved in successfully implementing SFBT. This paper discusses the advantages of SFBT and success rates attained in both family and couples therapy, while also citing various experts in the field who oppose this particular form of treatment.
From the Paper "Miracle questions are created to provide the therapist a 'preview' of how the patient views his/her future life. These questions engage patients by allowing them to contemplate about specific possibilities that may happen in their lives. Questions may be hypothetical situations that focus on the individual's action when confronted with mundane events followed after by thought-provoking inquiries by the therapist. This technique probes into the patient's capability to think about alternative solutions to specific life situations or problems, enabling the therapist to come up with a suggested resolution that is within the understanding of the patient. This also makes the patient feel that s/he had an active role in the solution-making process that took place during the therapy. Scaling is a more quantitative means by which problems are assessed by the therapist."
Abstract This paper discusses various approaches to therapy and how anxiety and depression are affected by them. The paper looks at the beliefs of cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, Freud's psychodynamic therapy, and then discusses new approaches to therapy that incorporate all of these methods. The paper concludes that a mixture of all therapies is best when dealing with the individual patient.
From the Paper "The individual patient may handle crisis situations in varying ways. Therefore, determining which method of treatment will depend on the patient's cognitive patterns, actions and behavior, and the core beliefs that are developed in the patient prior to treatment. As these issues are focused upon, the therapist can begin to aid the patient toward recovery from the most common disorders introduced into the therapy situation - depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is not just one therapy that is best suited to every patient. Answers for treatment may be identified in each of the predominant forms of therapy that are available today. Sigmund Freud believed that depression was often the result of loss in a patient's life. Freud contended that the loss subconsciously felt by the patient generally occurred during childhood, and oftentimes was a forfeiture that was not recalled in adulthood ("Explanations")."
Abstract This paper studies the similarities and differences between two non-traditional, therapeutic approaches: Solution-Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy. The paper examines the origins and efficacy of these two models of therapy.
From the Paper "In recent years both solution-focused and narrative therapies have been used extensively to help diverse populations..."
Abstract This paper looks at the problem of HIV/AIDS and the issue of complementary nutritional therapies that can be used to slow its progression and boost the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients. The paper also discusses the implications of utilizing these therapies and gives recommendations how to implement complementary nutritional therapies for HIV/AIDS. The paper discusses these treatments and also looks at how HIV/AIDS symptoms can be affected by proper nutrition and nutritional therapies and what kind of prevalence is noted with reduction of symptoms of HIV/AIDS when proper nutrition and nutritional therapies are employed.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Background
Research Question
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Summary
Chapter 2 -- Review of Related Literature and Research
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary
Chapter 3 -- Results and Findings
Introduction
Analysis of Data
Findings
Summary
Chapter 4 -- Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations for Further Research
Conclusions and Implications
Summary
From the Paper "Although it would appear that the government in general is doing little to help communities from being completely decimated by the HIV/AIDS virus, there are some HIV/AIDS prevention measures that are being undertaken by some areas of the government that may apply to many individuals. In general, however, most of the information given is not culture specific and therefore will not apply well to some individuals and their cultural beliefs and feelings. The government is also lacking in getting the message out regarding what should be done once the virus is contracted and there has been almost nothing from the government regarding complementary nutritional therapies. Some of this information is important here, however, because it indicates what makes an HIV/AIDS program successful and may be helpful to educators in the future as they work toward finding various ways to get the treatment information out there to more people."
Abstract This paper evaluates current research about group therapy, in particular the advantages and the disadvantages of having the same sex individuals in one single group. The writer examines the types of groups that exist for therapy, including those focused on a single issue, such as illness. The author discusses the goals of group therapy, which include creating and maintaining healthy relationships. The author concludes that group therapy is more positive when both sexes participate, as the purpose of group therapy is ultimately to train the patient for a future that will enable him to lead a normal and productive life in the outside world.
From the Paper "One case example can be studied to illustrate exactly how, when a member of the opposite sex joined a group of the same sex, in this case, a group of women, the entire tenor and the very tone of the group underwent a drastic change. The case is about a group of four women, with a woman group leader. These women found that they were able to share their feelings with openness and honesty, and that they were able to express a wide range of feelings amongst themselves. However, all the women would joke amongst themselves about when a man would enter the group, and when it was announced that a man would soon be joining their group, almost all the women immediately associated their feelings about the men in their lives, perhaps a violent boyfriend, or an abusive brother, or a chauvinistic father, with this man. (Alonso; Swiller, 1993)"
Abstract In this paper aversion therapy is studied as a therapy employed in the treatment of alcoholism, smoking, compulsive gambling, and sexual deviations. Aversion therapies are described and critically assessed. Many deficiencies are pointed out and suggestions for improvements are made. It is suggested that the future of aversion therapy lies in the complete comprehension of the procedure.
From the Paper "A therapy, which employs classical conditioning, is known as aversion therapy. In aversion therapy a negative emotional reaction is conditioned to a maladaptive behavior that a subject perceives as pleasurable (Liebert & Spiegler, 1998, p. 516). In this approach the problem behavior, known as the conditioned stimulus (CS), is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) can be administered in such forms as chemical or electrical aversion. The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) results in the unconditioned response (UCR), which may be anxiety, fear or nausea. After numerous pairings of the problem behavior (CS) with the aversion therapy (UCS) the problem behavior (CS) will elicit fear, anxiety or nausea (CR). "
This paper analyzes a therapy session with a social worker, illustrating the social worker's apparent bias towards one of the patients, and criticizing other practices of the social worker.
Abstract This paper analyzes a therapy session with a social worker. It speaks of the social worker's apparent bias towards one of the patients, and criticizes other practices of the social worker. It goes on to describe certain behavioral therapy techniques that might be appropriate to the case such as rational emotive therapy and family counseling. It also brings in the problem of cross-cultural therapeutic relationships.
From the Paper "In seeking to find the best way to work with a patient, sometimes the most important decision that must be made is in selecting the most appropriate framework within with to analyze and treat that patient. This selection must be based both upon the therapists own overarching beliefs on which strategies are in general most helpful and most ethical as well as the particular needs of the patient at hand. This usually requires extending a high degree of empathy to the client; however when working with more than one client this can prove problematic as was the case here."
Abstract A paper comparing Client-centered Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Both types of therapy are defined and then compared to each other. The paper includes informatuin about techniques, strengths and weaknesses, problem development, resolution and intervention techniques.
Abstract This paper discusses the benefits acquired when play therapy is integrated into family therapy. The paper also explains why play therapy should be included in core curricula for psychotherapists.
From the Paper "The purpose of this professional issue position paper was to investigate the provision of play therapy courses in marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs. Although marriage and family therapists encounter child clients they are often inadequately trained to interact effectively with children or deliberately exclude them from family therapy. Play therapy was proposed as a means of..."
Abstract The writer describes that children who need speech therapy obtain a better outcome from that therapy when a range of professionals offer their support to the therapy process. This paper presents an overview of the ways in which different types of professionals can come together in different contexts to provide the kinds of therapy from which a child with speech difficulties may benefit.
From the Paper "Children who need speech therapy almost always have a better outcome from that therapy when a range of professionals offer their support to the therapy process. This paper presents an overview of the ways in which different types of professionals can come together in different contexts to provide the kinds of therapy that a child with speech difficulties may benefit from. Although we may have in our heads the image of a child in a doctor's office or some other professional surrounding children in need of speech therapy may ... "
Abstract This is a high level overview of dance movement therapy, what it means and how it can successfully be integrated into an individual's life. Part of the overview includes an emphasis on how dance movement therapy can be beneficial for one's daily live even if one is not suffering from emotional or mental health issues. There is also a brief explanation of the role of expressive arts therapy.
From the Paper "Expressive arts therapy has many components, one of which is dance movement therapy. Halprin (1999) states "movement is the body's universal language...a bridge to the interior world of self and between self and the world." Dance movement therapy has few limitations as to who can do partake in this expressive form of movement and who can benefit from it. This paper will provide a basic overview of what dance movement therapy is and how it is effective. The second section of the paper will focus on how dance movement therapy can be successfully integrated an individual's life. Part of the overview includes an emphasis on how dance movement therapy can be beneficial for one's daily live even if one is not suffering from emotional or mental health issues. "
This paper explores gene therapy, a set of approaches to the treatment of human disease based on transfer of genetic material (DNA) into an individual or the introduction of genetic material into cells for therapeutic purposes.
Abstract As gene therapy has moved from the laboratory into the clinic, several issues have emerged as central to the development of this technology: gene identification, gene expression and gene delivery. The author of this paper points out that gene therapy is a method for the treatment or prevention of disease that utilizes genes to provide the patient's cells with the genetic information necessary to produce specific therapeutic proteins needed to correct or combat disease. The paper also introduces genomics research, which seeks to map the human genome, or total DNA content of the human cell.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background and Direction
Potential
Other Gene Therapy Directions
From the Paper "Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid ("DNA") present in each cell in the body, which provide the information cells use to produce protein. Protein production begins in the nucleus of the cell when the gene is copied or "transcribed", resulting in the creation of a form of ribonucleic acid ("RNA") known as "messenger RNA." Specific DNA sequences called "promoters" control the extent of copying (transcription) of genes. Messenger RNA then moves from the nucleus of the cell into the cell's cytoplasm, where it is "translated" by the cell into protein. The process of transcription and translation that results in protein production by the cell is called "gene expression". The absence or defective structure of specific genes may change the composition or pattern of proteins expressed by the cell, causing certain inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy as well as acquired diseases such as cancer."
Abstract The central philosophy of solution-focused therapy is that clients bring with them strengths and capacities they can access and develop to make their lives more satisfactory. Assuming the client is the expert, the therapist is responsible for developing a collaborative context and helping the client articulate desired changes. The therapist magnifies client strengths, resources, and past successes, which leads to the construction of solutions. It is the purpose of this paper to use the Ward family as the case study to demonstrate the design and benefit of a solution-focused therapy program.
