🧠 COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL FAMILY THERAPY

Key Concepts, CBFT Interventions, Exam-Style Scenarios, Comparisons, Memorization Anchors,

Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT)

A model that changes dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors to improve family functioning.

Theoretical Roots

Cognitive therapy and behaviorism.

Core Assumption

Thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected.

Focus of Therapy

Maladaptive thoughts and behaviors within family systems.

View of Problems

Problems are learned patterns that can be unlearned.

Therapy Goal

Replace dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors with adaptive ones.

Therapy Style

Structured, directive, and goal-oriented.

Time Orientation

Present-focused.

Cognitive Distortions

Inaccurate or irrational thought patterns.

Automatic Thoughts

Immediate thoughts influencing emotion and behavior.

Core Beliefs

Deep-seated beliefs shaping perception.

Behavioral Patterns

Reinforced actions maintaining problems.

Reciprocal Determinism

Interaction between thoughts, behaviors, and environment.

Skills Training

Teaching coping and communication skills.

Psychoeducation

Teaching clients about thoughts and behaviors.

Homework

Practice assignments outside session.

Cognitive Restructuring

Identifying and challenging distorted thoughts.

Behavioral Rehearsal

Practicing new behaviors in session.

Modeling

Demonstrating desired behaviors.

Reinforcement

Strengthening positive behaviors.

Contingency Contracts

Agreements linking behavior to consequences.

Communication Skills Training

Teaching assertiveness and listening.

Problem-Solving Training

Step-by-step approach to conflict resolution.

Relaxation Training

Reducing physiological arousal.

Scenario: “Therapist challenges belief ‘I always fail as a parent.’”

Cognitive restructuring.

Scenario: “Family practices new communication skills in session.”

Behavioral rehearsal.

Scenario: “Therapist assigns homework to track thoughts.”

CBFT technique.

Scenario: “Therapist uses reward system for behavior change.”

Reinforcement.

Scenario: “Therapist teaches coping strategies.”

Skills training.

Scenario: “Therapist avoids emotional processing.”

CBT focus.

Scenario: “Therapist structures session with agenda.”

CBT style.

CBFT vs. Narrative

CBFT changes thoughts; Narrative changes stories.

CBFT vs. EFT

CBFT targets cognition; EFT targets emotion.

CBFT vs. SFBT

CBFT analyzes problems; SFBT avoids problem analysis.

CBFT vs. Bowenian

CBFT is directive; Bowen is insight-oriented.

Think → Feel → Act

Core CBT loop.

Distortion = Target

Fix the thought.

Behavior = Practice

Change through action.

Homework = Key

Work continues outside session.

Structure = CBT

Organized sessions.