Theoretical Orientation

Cognitive Behavior Therapy My personal theoretical orientation to counseling is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy helps the client to uncover and alter distortions of thought or perceptions which may be causing or prolonging psychological distress. The theoretical foundations of CBT are essentially those of the behavioral and cognitive approaches. CBT leads to a clear, persuasive, and evidence-based description of how normal and abnormal behavior develops and changes (Kramer 293). The term “cognitive-behavioral therapy” or CBT is a term for therapies with many similarities. CBT is not used as a cure and often times used to help with anxiety or depression the most, and may be single or in group settings. There are several approaches to this form of therapy which include, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors. External things, like people, situations, and events do not. The greatest benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think, feel, act, and even more so if the situation does not change. In the development of methods of CBT, findings from basic research on the key concepts have been blended with cognitive theories. The most important of these findings are the following: The first is depressive behavior, including low energy, lack of interest, helplessness, and other reductions in psychomotor activity, can be successfully modified with behavioral techniques. The second one is exposure therapy and related methods are particularly effective interventions for many disorders. The last one is that behavioral interventions can be highly useful in helping clients improve coping, social, and problem-solving skills. CBT frequently uses behavioral interventions such as activity scheduling and graded task assignments to reactivate the

References: Blenkiron, Paul. "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy." Royal College of Psychiatrists. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2011. Web. 1 Dec 2010. http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfoforall/treatments. Kramer G., Bernstein D. Phares V. "Cognitive-Behavior therapy." Behavioral and Cognitive- Behavioral Psychotherapies. Comp. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009. Print. Mulhauser, Greg. "An Introduction to Cognitive Therapy & Cognitive Behavioral Approaches." Counselling Resource. Counselling Resource, 02 Nov 2010. Web. 1 Dec 2010. http://counsellingresource.com/types/cognitive-therapy/index.html. Pucci, Aldo. "Techniques/Methods." What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? 2010: 1. Web. 27 Nov 2010. Pucci, Aldo. "Therapeutic Relationship." What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? 2010: 1. Web. 27 Nov 2010. Rubarth, Scott. "Stoic Philosophy of Mind." IEP, 2005. Web. Unknown, Author. "CBT Techniques I." CUNY Edu. 2010. Web. 1 Dec 2010. Wright, Jesse H. "Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basic Principles and Recent Advances.” American Psychiatric Association. IV.2 (2006): 6. Print.