Using case #2 in the "case examples" pdf, apply your knowledge of cognitive-behavioral theory through a case analysis/conceptualization and basic treatment plan. Critically analyze the benefits and challenges of this approach

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapies

Albert Ellis's Rational Emotive

Behavior Therapy

Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy

RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (REBT)

What is REBT?

• REBT was the first cognitive behavior therapy and is based on the assumption that cognitions, emotions, and behaviors interact with each other and have a mutual cause-and-effect relationship.

How do problems develop?

• Irrational beliefs, learned in childhood, are re-created throughout the lifetime and keep dysfunctional attitudes alive and operative.

How does change occur?

4 steps for REBT

1. Show incorporation of irrational “oughts,” “shoulds,” and “musts”

2. Demonstrate how clients reinforce emotional disturbances through illogical thinking

3. Help modify thinking and minimize irrational thinking 4. Develop a rational life philosophy

Role of therapist and client

• A warm relationship is not required; counter-productive • Client expected to

– Learn how to apply rational thought – Participate in experiential exercises – Complete behavioral homework

COGNITIVE THERAPY (CT)

What is CT?

• Cognitive therapy is similar to REBT and behavior therapy.

How do problems develop?

• CT perceives psychological problems develop from common processes, such as faulty thinking, making incorrect inferences, and failing to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Cognitive distortions

Selective abstraction

Magnification and

minimization

Personalization

Labeling and mislabeling

Dichotomous thinking

Arbitrary inferences

How does change occur?

• Modify inaccurate thinking • Learn to engage in more

realistic thinking

Role of therapist and client

• Relationship between therapist and client is seen as necessary for the techniques to be applied

• Both therapist and client take active roles

How are REBT and CT different?

REBT • Directive, persuasive, confrontational

• View of faulty thinking as irrational and nonfunctional

• Irrational thoughts mostly revolve around “should” and ”ought”

CT • Emphasis on helping clients identify misconceptions for themselves

• Beliefs as inaccurate, not irrational • Wide variety of cognitive distortions • Clients conduct behavioral experiments to test accuracy of beliefs

Implications

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) adds some behavioral techniques to pure cognitive therapy. It is the most well-researched and supported type of therapy; it is one of the most widely used

Cultural considerations

• The process begins from the client’s worldview – Can be helpful and/or not helpful!

• For some clients who value interdependence, CBT can be too “directive” and not “reflective” enough

• Important for therapist to also consider systems (gender, race…) surrounding individual