Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

An evidence based form of treatment that has been shown to be as effective, or even more effective, than other forms of psychological therapy and psychiatric medications

CBT address symptoms of

Depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, severe mental illnesses

Psychological problems are based (in part) on

Faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking, learned patterns of unhelpful behavior

Core principles of CBT

People can learn better ways of coping, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Initially developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder

DBT combines what?

CBT with mindful awareness and distress tolerance practices

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Places less emphasis on changing (controlling) the content of one’s thoughts, and more emphasis on the relationship that we have with our thoughts

What is the goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Increase psychological flexibility; The ability to accept your reactions and be present, to choose a valued direction, and to take action

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Commonly used as a relapse-prevention treatment for people with depression

What does Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combine?

CBT with mindfulness meditation practices

What is an example of a tenet of good CBT?

Uses guided discovery and teaches clients to respond to their dysfunctional cognitions

How does CBT aim to change behavior patterns?

Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.

Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.

Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.

How does CBT aim to change think patterns?

Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.

Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.

Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.

Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.