~ Cognitive-Behavioral Theory andTherapy ~
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Cognitive behaviorism, today usually referred to as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT, is a joining of, or combination of the separate theories and practices of Behaviorism and Cognitive Psychology. In short, cognitive behaviorism focuses on understanding how our thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations influence our emotions and behaviors.
CBT is a practical results-oriented mode of treatment where the emphasis focuses on how maladaptive thoughts and beliefs contribute to negative emotions and problematic or maladaptive behaviors. The CBT-trained psychotherapist has the individual identify and then modify these cognitive patterns and promote positive change through |
the use of cognitive restructuring, and behavioral tools and techniques that are specific, structured, measurable, evidence-based, goal-oriented, and time-limited.
The treatment of CBT uses the ABC method, wherein the "A" is the Activating Agent, the "B" stands for Beliefs, and the "C" stands for Consequences...
A, the Activating Event refers to the specific event or situation that triggers an emotional or behavioral response, which can be either an external event or an internal thought or memory.
B, Beliefs are the thoughts or interpretations that individuals hold about the Activating Event. These beliefs can be rational, irrational, or influenced by cognitive biases. These beliefs shape how individuals perceive and make sense of the activating event.
C, Consequences represent the emotional and behavioral outcomes that are a result of the persons beliefs or interpretations of the Activating Event, which can be positive, negative, or neutral.
There are numerous evidence-based techniques used by trained Cognitive-Behavioral therapists. It is important to note that CBT is only as good as the diagnostic acumen of the therapist. While most anyone can, with sufficient academics in cognitive behavioralism, learn the specific techniques, it is quite another matter to pair the appropriate method or methods, with the appropriate diagnostic criteria, and then the requisite clinical expertise.
In addition to being thoroughly knowledgeable about the research that drives the specific techniques or methods used, as mentioned, there must be considerable training and long-standing clinical application of the appropriate population. The the skill is in knowing which tool to apply to what problem. For example, Exposure Therapy has been the gold-standard for those suffering from PTSD, among other tools. Cognitive Restructuring, Behavioral Activation, Problem-Solving Skills Training, Thought Monitoring, Written Narrative Therapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Diaphragmatic Breathing, and Social Skills Training, are just a few of the more well-known tools and techniques that are part and parcel of the CBT armamentarium.
Newer evidence-based methods that have already demonstrated significant efficacy include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based CBT (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Transdiagnostic Approaches, and Cognitive Process Therapy (CPT), specifically PTSD and C-PTSD populations.
The essence of CBT is rooted in the strict adherence to peer-reviewed empirical research and evidence-based practices as a means to best acquire skills and techniques with which to mange symptoms and improve functioning. CBT is one of the few psychotherapeutic treats that is both evidence-based and highly effective, and able to alter brain chemistry without in-vivo intervention.
CBT is the most effective and preferred treatment for phobias, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, and addictive disorders.
The treatment of CBT uses the ABC method, wherein the "A" is the Activating Agent, the "B" stands for Beliefs, and the "C" stands for Consequences...
A, the Activating Event refers to the specific event or situation that triggers an emotional or behavioral response, which can be either an external event or an internal thought or memory.
B, Beliefs are the thoughts or interpretations that individuals hold about the Activating Event. These beliefs can be rational, irrational, or influenced by cognitive biases. These beliefs shape how individuals perceive and make sense of the activating event.
C, Consequences represent the emotional and behavioral outcomes that are a result of the persons beliefs or interpretations of the Activating Event, which can be positive, negative, or neutral.
There are numerous evidence-based techniques used by trained Cognitive-Behavioral therapists. It is important to note that CBT is only as good as the diagnostic acumen of the therapist. While most anyone can, with sufficient academics in cognitive behavioralism, learn the specific techniques, it is quite another matter to pair the appropriate method or methods, with the appropriate diagnostic criteria, and then the requisite clinical expertise.
In addition to being thoroughly knowledgeable about the research that drives the specific techniques or methods used, as mentioned, there must be considerable training and long-standing clinical application of the appropriate population. The the skill is in knowing which tool to apply to what problem. For example, Exposure Therapy has been the gold-standard for those suffering from PTSD, among other tools. Cognitive Restructuring, Behavioral Activation, Problem-Solving Skills Training, Thought Monitoring, Written Narrative Therapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Diaphragmatic Breathing, and Social Skills Training, are just a few of the more well-known tools and techniques that are part and parcel of the CBT armamentarium.
Newer evidence-based methods that have already demonstrated significant efficacy include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based CBT (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Transdiagnostic Approaches, and Cognitive Process Therapy (CPT), specifically PTSD and C-PTSD populations.
The essence of CBT is rooted in the strict adherence to peer-reviewed empirical research and evidence-based practices as a means to best acquire skills and techniques with which to mange symptoms and improve functioning. CBT is one of the few psychotherapeutic treats that is both evidence-based and highly effective, and able to alter brain chemistry without in-vivo intervention.
CBT is the most effective and preferred treatment for phobias, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, and addictive disorders.