Discussion: Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality - SOCW 6060 Week 6

Week 6: Cognitive Theory and Cognitive Behavior Theory

By now, you may recognize that no one theory will explain and predict every phenomenon.

Theory guides the development of specific therapeutic modalities. To understand a therapy, it may be helpful to first review the historical forces of psychology. The first force was psychoanalysis, the second force was behaviorism, the third force was humanism, and the fourth force was multiculturalism. Drawing from this progression, the first wave of behavior theory argued that all behaviors are learned and if one wants to modify behaviors, then one can unlearn them. This led to behavioral therapy based on rewards and punishment, which is considered the first wave of behavioral therapy. Since then, cognitive theory was introduced, arguing that it is crucial to factor individuals’ mental states and cognitions. Over the years, Aaron Beck’s cognitive behavior therapy, Albert Ellis’s rational emotive theory, and William Glasser’s choice theory have become prominent, falling into the second wave of cognitive therapy. Finally, the third wave of behavioral therapies include dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

This week, you explore several theoretical orientations that fall under cognitive and cognitive behavior theory. Continue to pay special attention to the theories’ merits and limitations in how they apply to real-life situations.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Apply cognitive and cognitive behavior theories to social work practice

· Evaluate research studies on cognitive and cognitive behavior treatment

· Evaluate the strengths and limitations of cognitive and cognitive behavior theories

Learning Resources

Note:  To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

· Chapter 4: Cognitive Behavior Theory and Social Work Treatment (pp. 54–79)

· Chapter 5: Cognitive Theory and Social Work Treatment (pp. 80–95)

González-Prendes, A. A., & Thomas, S. A. (2009). Culturally sensitive treatment of anger in African American women: A single case study. Clinical Case Studies, 8(5), 383–402. 

Graham, M. A., Sauerheber, J. D., & Britzman, M. J. (2013). Choice theory and family counseling: A pragmatic, culturally sensitive approach. Family Journal, 21(2), 230–234. 

Document: Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study (Word document)

Document: Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)

Required Media

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video file].  

This week, watch the “Behavioral Therapy” and “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy” segments by clicking the applicable links under the “Chapters” tab.

Optional Resources

Gregory, V. L. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder: implications for clinical social workers. Journal of Social Service Research, 36(5), 460–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2010.510950

Gregory, V. L. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia: applications to social work practice. Social Work in Mental Health, 8(2), 140–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332980902791086

Pössel, P., & Knopf, K. (2011). Bridging the gaps: An attempt to integrate three major cognitive depression models. Cognitive Therapy & Research, 35(4), 342–358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-010-9325-z

(Only read pp. 342–344)

Hinton, D. E., & Pollack, M. H. (2009). Introduction to the special issue: Anxiety disorders in cross-cultural perspective. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 15(3), 207–209. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2009.00097.x

Robey, P., Burdenski, T. K., Britzman, M., Crowell, J., & Cisse, G. S. (2011). Systemic applications of choice theory and reality therapy: An interview with Glasser Scholars. The Family Journal, 19(4), 427–433. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480711415038

Discussion: Using Research to Select a Therapeutic Modality

Imagine that some of your colleagues mention using cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and reality therapy. Your colleagues continue to say that based on their experiences, they really like these therapies and that they appear to work. Your instincts also tell you that perhaps they might be helpful for your client in your case study. However, from Week 1, you recall that experiences and instincts as sources of knowledge are quite limited because they are biased. Instead, it is important to utilize existing research and data to support your choices of interventions. Theory helps inform the evidence-based practice process that should guide social workers’ practice.

In this Discussion, you examine the research related to a therapy based on cognitive or cognitive behavior theory to determine its effectiveness.

To prepare:

· Recall the client from the Jake Levy case study. You will apply your research for this Discussion to that client.

· Select one therapy from the following: cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or reality therapy.

· Conduct a search in the Walden Library for one peer-reviewed research study about the effectiveness of the therapy you selected.

· Note: You must select a study that has not already been used by a colleague in the Discussion. Each student is required to identify a unique research study.

· Remember when looking for studies to take into account your client’s age and developmental stage and presenting problem.

Post:

· Provide the reference for the study you found using APA guidelines.

· Briefly paraphrase, in 2 to 3 sentences, the methodological context (i.e., research method, how data was collected, and the instruments used) of the study and the findings.

· Evaluate the findings in terms of its applicability or appropriateness for the client in your case study.

· Determine whether you would use or not use the therapy you selected for the client in your selected case study (consider how culturally relevant it is, how aligned it is with social work ethics, etc.) and explain why.

Respond to two colleagues who selected a case study different from yours:

· Compare and contrast the article you selected with your colleague’s article in terms of how they might inform appropriateness for use with the identified client.

· Explain how reviewing the different studies presented in this Discussion influenced your decision about whether you would use the therapy, given various evidence for the different treatment modalities.