Cognitive, Cognitive Behavioral, and Reality Theory
PCN 500
Cognitive, Cognitive Behavioral, and Reality Theory Overview
There are many definitions of counseling, but most share the same idea: it is when one person helps another. To me counseling represents one word more than any other: Change. One person is unhappy with some area of their life and wants it to change while the other person helps to facilitate that change. Just as there are many definitions of counseling there are many types of counseling with different philosophies.
The foundation of cognitive therapy is that thoughts have the ability to influence individual's feelings. One's emotional reaction to a situation can be derived from their explanation of the situation. For instance, one experience the feelings of one heart racing and shortness of breath. If these physical symptoms occurred while one were lying peacefully in ones bed while watching television, the symptoms would more than be recognized to a medical condition, such as a heart attack, leading to fear and anxious emotions. In contrast, if these same physical symptoms occurred while running through the park on a beautiful afternoon, they would not be attributed to a medial ailment, and would likely no lead to fear or anxiety. Different interpretations of the same sensations can lead to entirely different emotions.
Congitive therapy suggests that a great deal of our emotions are due out thought process; the way that we perceive or interpret our environment. These thoughts sometimes have a way of being bias or even distorted. Within the scope of cognitive therapy individuals learn to distinguish between their thoughts and feelings. They are also made aware of the way in which their thoughts have and can influence feelings that are not necessarily to their benefit. Therapists also evaluate critically whether clients "automatic" thoughts and assumptions are