Module 6.3: Psychotherapy Approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors to improve well-being.

Core Principles:

• Thoughts-Feelings-Behaviors

• Cognitive Restructuring

• Behavioral Activation

• Present Focus

• Problem-Oriented

• Active & Collaborative

Cognitive Restructuring

Identifying and changing negative thought patterns

Behavioral Activation

Engaging in valued activities to improve mood

Present-Focused

Primarily addressing current problems

Problem-Oriented

Structured and goal-focused therapy

Active & Collaborative

Therapist and client work together actively

Time-Limited

Often a relatively short-term therapy

Evidence-Based

Techniques are often research-supported

Automatic Thoughts

Spontaneous, often negative thoughts

Cognitive Distortions

Irrational or unhelpful thinking patterns

Core Beliefs

Deep-seated beliefs about self, others, and the world

Schemas

Broad patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving

Exposure Therapy

Gradual confrontation of feared stimuli

Relaxation Techniques

Strategies to reduce physiological arousal

Problem-Solving

Systematic approach to addressing issues

Skills Training

Learning specific coping skills (e.g., assertiveness)

Homework

Between-session tasks for practice

Thought Records

Tool to identify and evaluate thoughts

Behavioral Experiments

Testing the validity of negative thoughts in real life

Mental Filter

Focusing only on the negative

Catastrophizing

Exaggerating the negative

“Should” Statements

Rigid rules leading to guilt/frustration

Aaron T. Beck

Founder of Cognitive Therapy

Albert Ellis

Developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)