cognitive approach to treating depression

What does Ellis’ CBT aim to do?

Emphasise psychology as the problem of irrational thinking and turn irrational thoughts into rational ones.

What is REBT?

Rational emotive behaviour therapy, form of CBT made by Ellis

How does REBT work?

Involves reframing and interpreting the ABC model in a more positive and logical way

What is homework?

Clients are asked to complete assignments outside of therapy sessions in order to test irrational beliefs against reality to help put rational beliefs into place.

Beck’s cognitive therapy?

The idea is to identify automatic thoughts about the world, self and future and challenge them to help patients test reality.

Behavioural activation?

Part of CBT that encourages clients to become more active and participate in activities they previously enjoyed as being active leads to rewards that act as an antidote.

Unconditional positive regard?

If a client feels worthless they are less willing to change their beliefs and behaviour. However if therapist gives respect and support regardless of clients actions, they are more likely to change. Created by Ellis.

Evaluation points 🙂x3, 🙁x3

🙂

• research support

• Effective

• Addresses cognitive causes

🙁

• individual differences

• Reductionist

• CBT may not work for most severe cases

🙂research support

Ellis claimed that there is a 90% success rate of REBT. Cuijpers et al (2013) found that of 75 studies CBT was superior to no treatment at all.

This means REBT has an increased validity and efficacy.

Therefore, as psychology is a science this is a desirable feature.

🙂effective

CBT has strong evidence of treating depression. March et al (2007) showed a combination of CBT and antidepressants was better than drugs alone.

This means CBT has a strong case for being considered the first line of treatment for the NHS.

Therefore, this is desirable as it increases the credibility of the treatment method.

🙂addresses cognitive causes

CBT and REBT address the underlying cognitive causes of depression and not just the symptoms. It also encourages healthy coping strategies used after therapy.

This decreases the likelihood of relapse.

Therefore, they are effective long term, increasing the credibility of the treatment methods.

🙁individual differences

CBT is less suitable for people who have high levels of irrational beliefs that are resistant to change.

This means they may not want to change or cannot resolve the problems.

This decreases the effectiveness of the treatment methods.

🙁reductionist

It assumes depressions primary cause is faulty thinking or irrational beliefs.

This means it may overlook important factors such as biological or environmental factors and cause distress rather than improve clients wellbeing.

Therefore, this decreases its effectiveness.

🙁CBT may not work for most severe cases

CBT isn’t suitable for this with severe depression and that lack the cognitive capacity to engage with therapy.

This means other methods may be appropriate such as drug therapy, which is a biological approach.

This decreases the credibility of the treatment approach.