An overview of cognitivebehavior 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 cognitivebehavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitivebehavioral 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 cognitivebehavioral 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 The following discussion provides an evaluation of CognitiveBehavioral Therapy in the treatment of a female patient who suffers from alcoholism and depression. The writer points out that it is expected that this type of therapy is highly effective in the treatment of these problems, as it provides a greater understanding of the negative influences in life, as well as the positive.
From the Paper "For individuals that develop any number of psychological or emotional problems that require professional intervention, it is necessary to consider the many options that are available. There is a necessity to utilize specific techniques in order to treat such problems as depression and alcoholism, amongst others. With this in mind, the purpose of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a means of offering support for the management of these problems is a critical step in a positive direction for many patients. A wide body of research supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an effective treatment for a variety of disorders, including the issues related to alcoholism and depression. The following discussion describes a specific case study involving a young female, who has suffered from serious bouts of alcoholism and depression concurrently, and has initiated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a means of supporting her wellness regimen."
Abstract "This paper discusses cognitive, behavioral, and emotional, (psychodynamic) therapies. The paper further focuses on the relationship between the therapies, and research that indicates how they are connected, and how treatments can be effective in using each to treat the individual. This paper provides research, as well as conclusions that are supported by facts to demonstrate the correlation between these concepts.
From the Paper "Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional therapies are considered the three main types of therapy used today in treating psychological problems in individuals. While each type of therapy involves its own patterns of treatment, as well as its own beliefs in what areas should be considered for treatment, these three types of therapy have corresponding elements that may serve in complimenting each other in the treatment process. Additionally, the research will indicate that there is a strong correlation between each of these types of therapy that is effective for every individual seeking treatment. The concept of cognitive therapy centers on the thought processes of the individual. In cognitive therapy the predominant idea is that the individual is taught throughout life to develop specific responses to events, crisis, or life that may be achieved because of incorrect assumptions, or triggered by the recall of past experiences ("Depression"). "
Abstract This paper argues in favor of a combination of quantitative and qualitative data when evaluating cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) programs. Qualitative research methods are presented in the essay, including self-report questionnaires and rating scales, observational measures and interviewing. This is followed by a discussion on quantitative methods, which include meta-analysis and control groups. The qualitative methods focus mainly on the research methods of CBT in clinical practice, while the quantitative methods investigate the research methods of CBT in theory. Various approaches to evaluating CBT and issues arising from these methods are examined in the paper in order to encourage therapists to evaluate CBT program with extreme care.
Outline:
Single-case Experimental Designs (SCEDs
Qualitative Evaluation
Self-Report Questionnaires and Rating Scales
Observational Measures
Time Sampling
Self-Observation
Interviewing
Quantitative Evaluation
Meta-Analysis
Control Groups
Conclusions
References
Table 1
Questionnaires Frequently used in CBT
Table 2
Types of Control Group Used in CBT Outcome Studies.
From the Paper "In a many Counselling and Psychotherapy studies, research is often conducted through qualitative evaluation (attempts to assess what kind of change has occurred), rather than with quantitative methods, (deciding how much change has occurred). Conversely, CBT has, until quite recently, been dominated by the latter consideration (Ward, et al., 2000). At various points in this essay I will argue for a combination of quantitative and qualitative data as the sensible basis of evaluation for example with single-case experimental designs. Qualitative research methods discussed in this essay are: self-report questionnaires and rating scales, observational measures and interviewing, this is followed by a discussion on quantitative methods, which will include meta-analysis and control groups. The qualitative methods dealt with in this essay will focus mainly on the research methods of CBT in clinical practise, while the quantitative methods will investigate primarily the research methods of CBT in theory. Various methods of evaluating CBT and issues arising from these methods will be handled in this essay to emphasize the need for therapists to choose methods of evaluating CBT programmes with extreme care."
Abstract This paper contends that cognitive therapy has traditionally been used by therapists as a means of identifying thoughts of the patient that are destructive to their lives. It explains that individuals, regardless of age, may experience events throughout life that they consider traumatic. The author explains that these details of the events are considered repeatedly in the individual's mind.
From the Paper "Cognitive therapy has traditionally been used by therapists as a means of identifying thoughts of the patient that are destructive to their lives. Individuals, regardless of age, may experience events throughout life that they consider traumatic. The details of the events are considered repeatedly in the individual's mind. Recalling the event exactly as it happened each time it is contemplated generally does not occur, and the memory becomes distorted in many respects. What is significant, however, is the importance to the sequence of events that the individual places on those events. This is evident because that sequence can begin to spark reactions to other events throughout the individual's existence that allow him or her to recall the primary occurrence, and react to it in the same manner. The cognitive process, therefore, is hampered by these thoughts, leading ..."
Abstract This paper reviews a study that explored the impact of cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) and the school success of students with anxiety disorders. The author presented the study's hypothesis and methodology. The paper also detailed the population that was used for the study. Finally the reviewer gave the conclusions of the study, which showed that CBT therapy over time will decrease overall anxiety in school children.
Outline:
Research Question
Hypothesis
Methodology
Sample
Results/Findings
Conclusion
Overall Effectiveness
Source Used
From the Paper "Finally, the sample size creates limitations on the generability of the results. Although the results did have overwhelming numbers, a sample size of 38 is inadequate to appropriate to other populations. However, it does raise awareness for educators and parents alike that school and social problems may have a root with an anxiety disorder and that it should not be discounted before an official diagnosis can discount such a cause."
Abstract This paper analyzes the article, "Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: Reflections on the Evolution of a Therapeutic Orientation" by M.R. Goldfried, which presents an account of the evolution of cognitive-behavior therapy over the past 35 years, since it began with the introduction of cognition into behavior therapy in the mid-1960s. It examines how, as cognitive-behavior therapists became more experienced clinically and recognized that clients did not always engage in clearly reportable internal dialogues, the schema construct was used to understand more about clients? implicit meaning structures. The distinction between cognitive-behavior therapy and cognitive therapy is discussed, and the importance of activating emotional experiencing in the clinical change-process is underscored.
From the Paper "Goldfried discusses many justifications for the addition of cognition in behavior therapy and even discusses situations of therapy sessions that institute them. Psychologists came to realize that patients might not have the capacity to store, encode, and retrieve information needed for participation in therapy with a clear "internal dialogue". Thus, establishing an information-processing model, called a "schema", helped therapists understand the problematic functioning of patients having difficulties such as inaccurate classification of events, selective attention, and so on. Goldfried goes on to define a schema as "a cognitive representation of individuals" past experiences with other people, situations, and themselves, which helps them construe events within that particular aspect of their life?."
Abstract This paper discusses the theories behind cognitive-behavior and reality therapies. It begins by discussing the combination of behavior therapy and cognitive therapy termed cognitive-behavior therapy. It also discusses the background of the philosophy behind reality therapy. The paper then goes on to discuss the practice of the two approaches in a therapy environment.
Table of Contents:
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
Reality Therapy
From the Paper "Reality Therapy was founded by Dr William Glasser in the United States in the 1960s, who set up the Institute of Guidance Counselors in Ireland, in 1985. Glasser believed that changing how we behave is the key to changing how we feel and to getting what we want. Based on a broad range of theories and therapies, Glasser said that Reality Theory was based on "Choice Theory," that is, based on internal motivation to try and fulfill the wants and needs outlined by other theories, but behavior is "total" and made up of the interlocking components of acting, thinking, feelings and the physiology, (acting and thinking being voluntary). The wants and needs of other theories are outlined as Power (which includes achievement and feeling worthwhile, as well as winning), Love and Belonging (which includes groups, families or loved ones), Freedom (which includes independence, autonomy, and having one's own "space"), Fun (which includes pleasure and enjoyment) and Survival (which includes nourishment, shelter and sex). (Glasser, n.d.)"
Abstract This paper discusses the background and current status of cognitivebehavior therapy. It lists the challenges facing cognitivebehavior therapy and discusses the need for this form of therapy to address these issues. The paper then describes three cognitive restructuring therapies and discusses how they are implemented in practice. It also discusses the theory and practice of the problem-solving therapies and the cognitive learning theory.
Table of Contents:
Current Status
Theory
Methodology
Applications
Summary
From the Paper "If Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can effectively deal with these concerns, it will unquestionably develop into a key force within clinical psychology. Nevertheless, in spite of its recognition amongst several therapists, not all behaviourally oriented researchers are in favour of this form of therapy. For instance, Eysenck (1979), a staunch S-R theorist, cautioned that "Although cognitive theories seem fashionable at the moment among some behaviour therapists who should know better. . . being fashionable is not the same as being correct, or useful, or in line with the evidence." He indicated that "Cognitive theory, per contra, does not even exist as a 'theory' that could meaningfully be criticized or tested; it is an aspiration, born of mentalistic preconceptions, in search of hypotheses."
"Wolpe (1978, p. 442) stated that that, "Behaviour therapists have deliberately influenced their patients' thinking ever since formal behaviour therapy of the neuroses came into existence"; for this reason he believed that cognitive approaches to therapy had always been incorporated with the behavioural techniques. "Thought," wrote Wolpe, "obeys the same 'mechanistic' laws as motor or autonomic behaviour" (p. 438). The principles of conditioning are adequate to account for cognition, and overt behaviour is an adequate indicator of this conditioning."
Abstract This paper explains that the theories regarding psychoanalysis and cognitivebehavior psychotherapeutic approaches differ from one another in their background, application, treatment methods and advantages or disadvantages. The author relates that psychodynamic therapies, developed by Sigmund Freud, work to make the "unconscious" conscious, giving persons greater insight into their needs and behavior and thereby gaining greater control over how this allows these conflicts to affect them. The paper states that cognitivebehavior therapy is a practical approach, which seeks to define concrete goals and uses active techniques to reach them by looking at patterns of thinking and behavior and how these patterns are reinforced and maintained by the person within his or her environment.
From the Paper "Psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioral approaches have both been applied to treat various types of depression. For example, the efficacy of psychotherapeutic treatments specific to depressive mood disorder has been shown to be comparable to that of pharmacological treatments in alleviating symptoms. In addition, these therapies reduce residual psychosocial impairments, improve psychosocial function, and prevent depression relapse. Depression-specific psychotherapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, behavioral, and short-term dynamic therapies, which are often integrated in clinical practice. The effectiveness of depression-specific psychotherapy can be enhanced by medical-psychotherapeutic collaboration and use of guided self-directed change efforts, marital or family therapy, and participation in therapy groups. Research indicates that a coordinated program of care combining the benefits of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions and drawing on the expertise of physicians and psychotherapists is recommended for the treatment of depression."
Abstract Research has found that short-term, reality-based psychotherapies using cognitive or behavioral theories, focusing on changing an individual's thoughts in order to change his or her behavior and emotional state are both cost and outcome effective in cases of abuse, PTSD, etc. The purpose of this study proposal is to show that cognitivebehavior therapy is the correct and more effective approach in treating distressed adolescents with a history of sexual abuse, with certain modifications of previous study designs.
Paper Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Specific Study Objectives
Methods
Discussion
References
From the Paper "The object of cognitive therapy is to make the patients aware of these distorted thinking patterns and change them. This process is called cognitive restructuring.(Enright, S 1997) This is followed by behavior modification,, helping individuals replace undesirable behaviors with healthier patterns. It is different from the previously common psychodynamic therapies used in cases of CSA that focused on uncovering or understanding the unconscious motivations that may lie behind the maladaptive behavior."
Abstract "Couch potato (cp)" behavior is operationally defined as sitting and watching TV. The goal of the program presented in this paper is to modify this behavior towards participation in an exercise program. A self-observation log demonstrates "couch potato" behavioral antecedents, an operational definition of the target behavior and behavioral consequences. Cognitive-behavioral modification is discussed and the program is stated. Effectiveness of the intervention is then discussed.
From the Paper "Week one would consist of new thoughts such as "TV is not the only way to relax, this is a lie, the truth is that TV is contributing to my fatigue." Positive affirmations were to be employed as immediate and continuous reinforcements, such as "I'm feeling better each day with my new activities. I'm doing a great job." TV watching was to be cut down to half hour periods per week day and two hour periods for weekend days. Stimulus control was employed and junk foods were to be removed from the premises to avoid visual cues leading to poor eating behaviors. New foods were to be purchased, such as fruit juice in place of alcoholic beverages, nuts and fruits in place of chips; actual changes in meals would be dealt with later. Lifestyle changes for the first week would include using the stairs at work and school instead of the elevator, since walking up stairs is found to burn twice the calories of jogging behavior and it would serve as an aerobic exercise activity."
Abstract This paper evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral family therapy (CBFT) in its specific use to treat persons with substance abuse problems. The paper contends that cognitive-behavioral family therapy will prove to have relatively high success rates as compared with other treatment modalities. It reviews several studies that have not only researched its effectiveness with different populations, but that have also compared its overall success rates with other interventions. It also discusses these findings in an effort to reach conclusions about both the theory and the techniques of CBFT in dealing with substance abuse.
From the Paper "Cognitive-behavioral therapy, and, in particular, cognitive-behavioral family therapy (CBFT), is one of many interventions used to treat persons with substance abuse problems. Other interventions include twelve-step approaches; strictly behavioral therapies (such as the community reinforcement approach), and network therapy, which is a variety of family systems therapy (Keller, Galanter, & Weinberg, 1997). While some advocate the use of one particular form over another, others advocate a "matching" approach that considers each substance abuser on an individual basis and devises a treatment plan accordingly, with whatever approach makes the most sense (e.g. Alcohol Research Documentation, 1997). Regardless of perspective, however, one thing is clear. A definitive treatment model for individuals addicted to alcohol and/or other substances has not yet been found, even when using the "matching" approach."
Abstract The paper outlines the main principles of the person-centered theory and the cognitivebehavioral theory. The paper focuses on the concepts of the person-centered theory and discusses the microskills and techniques that students would expect to be effective with this theory.
Outline:
Objective
Person-Centered Theory
CognitiveBehavioral Theory
Microskills and Effective Techniques
From the Paper "This theory was developed by Carl Rogers, an American psychologist who practiced in the 1930s and is a type of therapy that has as its goal the fostering of the client in cohesion of the idealized and actual self of the client. This therapy also has the goal of the client gaining a better understanding of 'self' as well as lowering the client's levels of "defensiveness, guilt, and insecurity" (Person-Centered Therapy, nd) Other goals in this therapy include the client gaining a more positive outlook in relationships and as well focuses on the client gaining an increase in the capacity to "experience and express feelings at the moment" (Person-Centered Therapy, nd) in which the feelings actually occur."
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the obsessive-compulsive disorder and cognitivebehavior displayed by the main character Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson) in the movie 'As Good As It Gets.' The paper includes quotations from the movie and actual examples of the behavior displayed by Melvin that constitute OCD.
From the Paper "The character Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson) in the movie As Good As It Gets displays symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and cognitive distortions. Melvin is a writer whose meticulous, routine-drenched yet quirky world suddenly turns upside down when his gay neighbor, Simon Bishop (played by Greg Kinnear), gets beaten up and has to go to the hospital, leaving his pet dog, Verdell, in Melvin's care. What further complicates Melvin's life is that the only waitress in his favorite cafe who can put up with him, Carolll Connelly (played by Helen Hunt), has to quit work to take care of her sick son."
