Methods/Techniques Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)CBT analyzes negative behaviors and thought processes and changes a person’s mindset in order to improve behavior and emotional functionality. CBT focuses on a person in the present and works on improving their future.Therapists will help people understand their negative thought patterns and their effect on them, as well as how to change them. Depending on the issue, the therapy will be more behaviorally or cognitively based.CBT can be one-to-one or group therapy. Therapy often includes working on techniques outside of therapy sessions.Clients develop a role in therapy sessions, eventually planning what the session will focus on. Once therapy is ended the person should be able to continue the therapy processes on their own.
Cognitive Therapy (CT)CT focuses on re-assessing negative thoughts in order to make people more positive and flexible. CT works on a client’s present situation in order to improve their future. Distressed people who cannot identify their inaccurate thoughts receive help from cognitive therapists to do identify these thoughts and re-assess them.Therapists use a “skill building” approach so that patients will continue to use therapy techniques after sessions end.
Aaron Beck identified people’s “automatic thoughts” (which are spontaneous and negative): 1- negative ideas about oneself2- negative thoughts about the world3- negative thoughts about the future. Beck guided clients in re-evaluating negative thoughts by taking a more a realistic approach to situations in order to improve emotional functionality. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)Albert Ellis recognized that negative beliefs and thoughts lead to self-defeating and self-sabotaging behaviors. Ellis created the ABC framework (outlining the relationship between events, beliefs, and consequences): Activating event- a person’s perception of an eventBeliefs- evaluation of event, rational or irrational belief pertaining to eventConsequences- emotions, behaviors, and thoughts stirred by event The therapist has a directive role in REBT. They challenge client’s irrational beliefs and issues assignments which could help individuals overcome negative thoughts.Therapists reveal beliefs through questioning interpretations of events, and ranking thoughts and emotions.
REBT tests beliefs by examining consequences realistically and decatastrophizing the client’s thinking.REBT therapists change client’s beliefs by teaching them to take appropriate responsibility for their thoughts and to resist extreme thoughts.
