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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A Theoretical Approach to Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides a structured, evidence-based approach that
aligns with my beliefs about human nature, growth, and personal responsibility. It emphasizes
the ability to change thoughts and behaviors through self-reflection and goal setting, regardless
of external circumstances. Rooted in my Christian values, CBT’s focus on challenging negative
thought patterns offers a practical path to emotional and behavioral change. By integrating CBT
with biblical teachings, clients can build resilience and achieve holistic transformation.
Human Nature and Change
CBT: Human Nature and Change
Throughout this course, numerous theoretical frameworks have been explored, yet one
theory has resonated deeply with my personal values and beliefs regarding human nature and
change. At its core, CBT highlights the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors,
emphasizing that individuals have the ability to influence their own well-being by identifying
dysfunctional thought patterns and replacing them with more constructive ways of thinking to
promote emotional change (Corey, 2021). This theoretical approach aligns with my belief that
humans are not simply the result of their circumstances but can change their emotional
disturbances through self-reflection, and intentional action. I recognize and value the idea that
past experiences and environmental factors do play a role in shaping behavior, and that there will
unfortunately always be systemic and discriminatory issues that cannot be changed by a singular
person, however I believe that they are not what defines an individual, and that growth is always
an option regardless of what a person may be facing or experienced.
Mastering a new skill or becoming an expert in a particular field doesn’t come easily; it
requires dedication and practice. The same holds true for personal transformation and change. I
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believe that change starts from within and is guided by self-awareness, along with the
recognition that negative thought patterns can be altered through reflection, focus, goal-setting,
and consistent effort to reach those goals (Corey, 2021). CBT offers a structured framework that
supports this process and has been proven to be an effective approach when clients actively
engage in practices like homework. Research by Callahan et al. (2019) demonstrated that clients
who completed assigned homework experienced lower levels of depressive symptoms compared
to those who did not. This aligns with my belief that with consistent practice, positive change
and meaningful results are attainable.
CBT: Determinism Versus Non-Determinism
When considering human nature, CBT reflects a non-deterministic view, aligning with
the belief that individuals have the capacity for choice and personal agency. Rather than being
fully shaped by past experiences or external circumstances, CBT emphasizes that people can
influence their emotions and behaviors by actively changing their thought patterns (Corey,
2021). This resonates with my perspective that while life experiences and environment play a
role, individuals are not confined by them and can make conscious efforts to create positive
change.
Personal Background
The Influence of Personal Background on Theoretical Orientation
As the oldest of four children, I have always been naturally inclined toward problem-
solving, identifying challenges, and finding solutions to the obstacles I’ve encountered. These
traits closely align with CBT, which emphasizes recognizing challenges and developing effective
solutions (Tan, 2022). I have always had a heart for helping others less fortunate than I am,
which is a key reason why I chose this career path. Having the ability to assist others in
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overcoming their difficulties as well as assist with setting and reaching practical goals is
something that I am deeply committed to mastering throughout my coursework and practicums.
Additionally, these problem-solving characteristics have proven invaluable in my current
career, where I lead a team of fifteen military personnel responsible for managing the pay of over
eight thousand active-duty service members. In a customer service-based role, problems are
consistently arising, and each scenario presents its own set of unique challenges, something that
makes critical thinking and practical solution solving vital to our unit’s success. As someone
who loves customer interaction, and solving problems, I believe this may be a reason why I have
been drawn to the CBT approach and be interested in implementing this approach in future
practice.
Relationship Building and Assessment
Establishing A Positive Therapeutic Relationship
The therapeutic relationship in CBT has qualities that can be found in the from the
traditional psychotherapy relationship such as empathy, adaptation, and variation for each client,
however concepts such as collaboration, and agreement on both tasks and goals are individual to
CBT (Kazantzis & Dobson, 2022). According to Corey (2021) a strong therapeutic alliance is
critical for achieving effective treatment outcomes. In order to establish this relationship, I would
focus on ensuring that the client is aware that CBT is a collaborative approach, and that I will be
an active participant in discussions and challenge their negative thinking patterns as needed, as
well as be a sounding board and teammate when it comes to setting treatment tasks and goals.
Assessing Clients Needs and Therapeutic Progress
In CBT, assessing client needs and therapeutic progress is an ongoing, collaborative
process. To initially assess the client’s needs, I would use research-based questionnaires, such as
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the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7),
which provide a baseline review of the client’s current state, particularly when dealing with
anxiety and/or depression (Kroenke et al., 2016). Throughout therapy, progress would
be assessed by reviewing homework assignments, which demonstrate
whether the client is successfully applying the strategies discussed in
sessions. Additionally, regular collaborative discussions would be used to
review the established goals and evaluate which techniques have been
effective, reinforcing the partnership between client and therapist that is
central to CBT (Corey, 2021).
Setting Practical Goals for Wellness and Prevention
In CBT, goal setting for wellness and prevention is a collaborative and structured process
that focuses on empowering clients to take an active role in their mental health. Together, we
would identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that are potentially causing
emotional distress, and replace them with adaptive coping strategies (Tan, 2022). Establishing
goals that promote mental, emotional and physical well-being, such as improving coping skills,
building resilience, and managing stress. These goals should be measurable and can be
implemented through the usage of techniques such as self-instruction, which helps clients learn
statements to guide themselves through stressful situations. Setting goals for prevention would
be done through focusing on identifying potential triggers for negative thinking patterns, and
practicing strategies such as thought stopping, which can be utilized to hinder negative self-talk,
if the client recognizes a negative thought pattern beginning (Tan, 2022). By developing these
preventative strategies, clients can enhance their self-awareness and improve their ability to
manage challenges proactively, ultimately leading to more sustained well-being.
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Limitations Regarding Measurable Outcomes
As discussed by Tan, (2022) CBT, holds a view of psychopathology as resulting from
maladaptive thinking patterns, behavioral habits, and emotional regulation difficulties While
CBT excels at addressing symptomatic relief, its focus on individualized, client-centered goals
can present challenges in creating measurable outcomes.
One limitation arises from the reliance on self-report measures, which can be subjective
in nature. This type of approach can make it difficult to establish consistent and quantifiable
targets amongst clients. The emphasis on process-oriented goals, which places a focus on the
steps to achieve an end goal, versus outcome-related goals, which focuses on the final result,
could hinder the capability to establish outcome measures.
Another limitation of CBT related to self-reporting, is this could cause a hinderance for
clients who have complex or severe trauma histories. These types of conditions may require a
more refined therapeutic approach, as the distorted beliefs that are held by the client may be the
result of schizophrenia or complex psychological diagnosis. These conditions often require a
deeper understanding of the unconscious processes that CBT’s focus may overlook (Tan, 2022).
Ethical and Biblical Principles
Ethical Principles
The basis of a good therapeutic relationship, something that is highlighted as a
cornerstone of successful CBT, is the therapeutic relationship. Without the client’s trust that the
counselor is competent, understanding, and accepting, then the therapeutic relationship will be
doomed. In CBT, the therapist should ensure that self-reflection is supported and not suppressed
and ensure that there is no countertransference which can hinder the therapeutic relationship as
well as the client’s success (Prasko et al., 2023). Further key principles that should be
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remembered by all counselors included confidentiality, informed consent, competence,
autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and avoidance of dual relationships, to name a few (American
Counseling Association, 2014). Additionally, through self-reflection, supervisor, these ethical
guidelines promote and prioritize the well-being of clients, while also protecting their rights and
fostering trust. By adhering to these ethical standards, CBT can be practiced in a compassionate
and effective way.
Biblical Integration
This theoretical approach aligns well with my Christian values, seeing as an emphasis is
based on the importance of personal growth, and the inherent value of each individual person.
The idea that thoughts influence behavior mirrors the Biblical teaching found in Romans 12:2,
which encourages believers to be transformed by the renewal of their thoughts (ESV study Bible:
English standard version, 2008).These biblical principles could be integrated in future practice
through the creation of a space that would allow clients to explore and integrate their beliefs and
how they could be incorporated into the process. Techniques such as integration of scripture, to
reshape and challenge irrational beliefs could be one method brought into counseling in which
CBT sessions could be aligned with biblical teachings, further allowing the ability to foster
emotional resilience (King & Ford, 2024).
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBT offers a structured approach that fosters personal growth and aligns
with my theoretical orientation and Christian values. Its focus on empowering individuals to take
ownership of their well-being supports my belief in the potential for change, regardless of past
experiences. By integrating biblical principles like the renewal of the mind, I aim to create a
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counseling practice that promotes holistic healing, addressing both psychological and spiritual
needs.
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References
American Counseling Association. (2014).DEthics.
www.counseling.org.Dhttps://www.counseling.org/resources/ethics#
Callan,DJ.DA., Kazantzis,DN., Park,DS.DY., Moore,DC.DG., Thase,DM.DE., Minhajuddin,DA.,
Kornblith,DS., & Siegle,DG.DJ. (2019). A propensity score analysis of homework
adherence-outcome relations in cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.DBehavior
Therapy,D50(2), 285-299.Dhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2018.05.010
Corey,DG. (2021).DTheory and practice of counseling and psychotherapyD(10thDed.). Cengage
Learning.Dhttps://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/3a2dffbb-ceaf-43af-a148-
0e8814b812cd/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. (2008). Crossway Books.
Kazantzis,DN., & Dobson,DK.DS. (2022). Therapeutic relationships in cognitive behavioral
therapy: Theory and recent research.DPsychotherapy Research,D32(8), 969-
971.Dhttps://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2022.2124047
King,DJ.DA., & Ford,DK.DM. (2024).DChristian integration in counselor education. Kendall Hunt.
Kroenke,DK., Wu,DJ., Yu,DZ., Bair,DM.DJ., Kean,DJ., Stump,DT., & Monahan,DP.DO. (2016). Patient
health questionnaire anxiety and depression scale: Initial validation in three clinical
trials.DPsychosomatic Medicine,D78(6), 716-
727.Dhttps://doi.org/10.1097/psy.0000000000000322
Prasko,DJ., Burkauskas,DJ., Belohradova,DK., Kantor,DK., Vanek,DJ., Abeltina,DM., Juskiene,DA.,
Slepecky,DM., & Ociskova,DM. (2023). Ethical reflection in cognitive behavioral therapy
and supervision: Theory and practice.DNeuro Endocrinology Letters,D44(1), 11-
25.Dhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36931223/
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Tan,DS. (2022).DCounseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspectiveD(2ndDed.). Baker
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