Therapy 1

Class Overview and Schedule

• The class is welcoming of families; students are encouraged to bring their families to class.

• Upcoming Class Schedule:

  • Wednesday: Last lecture class.

  • Note: Informal sharing about personal connections regarding family attendance.

  • Guest Lecturer: Simon Peebles (Senior TA, former student).

    • Topic: Social Psychology unit, aligns with upcoming tests.

    • Reason for guest lecture: Instructor’s personal trip to Mexico.

  • Next Wednesday (Class Cancelled): Instructor indicates a shared personal vacation.

  • Following Monday (Test Four): Scheduled for two weeks from today.

  • Test Details:

    • Content aligns more closely with Test Three than Tests One and Two.

    • Perceptions of difficulty: challenges relate to psychological disorders.

    • Makeup Test Policy:

    • Makeup test is scheduled for December 8 at 10:00 AM or 2:30 PM.

    • No excuse needed; fill out an online self-declared absence form.

    • Makeup test applies to all classes.

    • Administered during the final exam period, even if it may not be ideal for some.

• Health Considerations:

  • Availability of tissues, masks, and hand sanitizer is emphasized.

  • Students are encouraged to be considerate of others’ health and use provided resources if feeling unwell.

Course Modules Overview

• Module 53: Introduction to Therapy

  • Overview of the major types of psychotherapy.

  • Quick coverage for later in-depth exploration in specialized courses.

• Module 54: Evaluating Psychotherapies

  • Discusses research on therapy effectiveness.

  • Overview of which disorders are best treated by specific types of therapy.

  • Continuous updates made by clinicians based on new research.

• Module 55: Biomedical Therapies

  • Content describes biomedical approaches for preventing psychological disorders.

  • Self-study assistance is encouraged utilizing previously learned strategies (e.g., cue cards, mind maps).

Focus of the Upcoming Lectures

• Focus on Therapy for Mood Disorders:

  • Techniques in different types of therapy will be demonstrated.

  • Not an attempt to do therapy within the classroom, but rather to educate about different approaches.

Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Introduction to Cognitive Therapy:

  • Based on the premise that our thoughts inform our feelings and actions.

  • Assumption: Thoughts play a critical role in how we react to events.

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy):

  • Defined as a practical form of talking therapy.

  • Combines cognitive therapy (thoughts) and behavioral therapy (actions).

  • Typically focuses on present-day issues rather than childhood.

  • Recognizes the influence of thoughts on emotions.

• Examples of Cognitive Dissonance in Real Life:

  • Example 1:

  • Situation: Burnt dinner.

  • Thought: “I am worthless.”

  • Result: Feelings of inadequacy leading to withdrawal or irritability.

  • Example 2:

  • Situation: Invitation to drinks with friends.

  • Thought: Negative feelings lead to anxiety.

  • Result: Avoidance of social interaction, potentially leading to substance misuse.

• Cycle of Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors:

  • Habits can form based on repeated negative cycles, leading to avoidance or self-blame.

  • CBT therapists provide strategies to break these cycles, improving overall mood.

• Effectiveness of CBT:

  • Helpful for a wide range of diagnoses.

  • Delivered individually, in groups, self-help materials, or digitally.

  • Not universally effective; requires active participation and may involve homework tasks.

  • Discussing other treatment options becomes necessary for individuals for whom CBT is challenging.

Key Elements of Cognitive Therapy

• Cognitive therapy, developed by Aaron Beck, focuses on:

  • Identifying and challenging catastrophic thinking.

  • Notions of stability (perceptions of ongoing negative affect), global (generalization of negativity), and internal (self-blame).

• Application of Beck’s Theory:

  • Utilizes scales such as Beck's Depression Inventory to assess and aid in treatment.

• Do-It-Yourself Cognitive Therapy Exercise:

  • Engage students in a practical application of CBT techniques using "Mind Over Mood" materials.

Practical Example in Class

• Client Scenario Example:

  • Description of a scenario: A client reports distress following a romantic breakup.

  • Student involvement in developing therapeutic responses based on CBT principles.

  • Encouraging discussions about describing situations in therapy to build empathy and understanding.

Conclusion and Instructional Approach

• Emphasis on the importance of active engagement and practical experience in therapy learning processes.

• Building a rational understanding of how thoughts affect emotional responses serves as a key learning objective.