Theories Of Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Theories of Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Jennifer Z Lewis
Liberty University
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of treatment that helps clients detect and change dysfunctional and false thought and behavioral patterns through restructuring of their thought process. Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be effective with many areas of mental distress including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy has three main founders: Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, and Donald Meichenbaum. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses of cognitive behavioral therapy include rigidity and lack of insight into ones past, which can create a cycling pattern …show more content…
in which the problems could resurface. Strengths of the theory are its use in anxiety disorders, phobias and depression, and helps people gain insight into their “disorder” allowing them to break free of the stigma of the mental illness label (Lam, 2008). Other strengths include retraining wrong self-beliefs and thought patterns, and its successful use in brief therapy scenarios. Care must be taken to ensure that cognitive behavioral therapy is the right fit for the client and if counseling within a Christian context, belief and thought patterns are turned towards Christ.
Theories of Counseling: Behavioral Cognitive Therapy
History of Behavioral Cognitive Theory
Behavioral Cognitive Theory (BCT) originated with Albert Ellis’s rational therapy in 1955, which was later known as rational emotive behavioral therapy or REBT (Corey, 2013). REBT not only was the first of the wave of cognitive behavioral therapies, it is still a major therapeutic approach used to deal with cognition and behavioral conditions (Corey, 2013). The basis of REBT is the assumption that cognitions, emotions, and behaviors significantly interact resulting in a cause and effect relationship (Corey, 2013). REBT is considered to be an integrative approach to counseling because of its emphasis on cognition, emotion, and behavior (Corey, 2013). REBT is based on the belief that all humans from birth have the potential to be either rational or straight thinking and irrational, or have crooked thinking (Corey, 2013). Ellis within his REBT context theorized that experiences and emotions that we are exposed to as children significantly influence the patterns that we exhibit as adults (Corey, 2013). If a person is raised believing that they have no value, they will exhibit irrational and self- defeating beliefs of themselves. A REBT therapist’s goal is to desensitize a person from their intense emotions by helping them learn to react in a healthy way such as rational anger or sadness without succumbing to depression, anxiety, or shame (Corey, 2013). Rational emotive behavioral therapy uses the A-B-C framework to help the therapist understand the feelings, thoughts, events, and behavior of their client (Corey, 2013). The structure of the A-B-C focuses on finding the activating event, naming the belief, assessing the emotional and behavioral consequences for the belief or reaction, and finally helping create a new response pattern with the client (Lam, 2008). Much of REBT entails the use of cognitive restructuring to help a client retrain their thought patterns by stopping their irrational belief thought pattern with rational thoughts (Johnson, et al, 2000). Ellis instituted the use of philosophical restructuring to change the dysfunctional personality traits of his clients (Corey, 2013). Ellis’ philosophical restructuring involves the client fully recognizing the they are responsible for their own emotional problems, that they are capable of changing these disturbances, that their emotional problems stem from their own wrong thought patterns, helping them acknowledge these beliefs and fight them, accept the need to change their dysfunctional patterns, and finally use the REBT methods to help the client to uproot and change their patterns while beginning to practice healthy methods of dealing with conflict (Corey, 2013). Aaron Beck began treating patients in the 1960’s in the psychoanalytic style. The more patients he treated the more that Beck found that his patients had thought patterns that fell into three categories: negative ideas about themselves, the world and/or the future (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012). Beck continued his research eventually formulating cognitive therapy (CT) in the 1960’s. Beck successfully used his cognitive theory on a myriad of different anomalies including depression, personality disorders, and substance abuse (Corey, 2012). CT primarily focuses on assisting clients to examine and restructure their core belief system (Corey, 2012). Beck believes that when a client really delves into the roots of their belief system, counselors will be able to help them bring about lasting changes to their moods and behavior (Corey, 2012). Beck has many unique elements within his theory, including automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions. Automatic thoughts are the thoughts and beliefs that are ingrained within a person. Automatic thoughts can be positive or negative, according to whether a person has developed distorted reasoning or not (Corey, 2013). Cognitive distortions are systematic errors in a person’s reasoning that lead to faulty beliefs and non-truths (Corey, 2013). Cognitive distortions fall into seven categories. Arbitrary inferences are when someone makes conclusions without supporting and relevant evidence, which is making an assumption (Corey, 2013). Selective abstraction is when a person comes to a conclusion based on the events of an isolated incident (Corey, 2013). When a person commits overgeneralization they hold extreme beliefs on the events of one isolated incident and apply them to totally unrelated situations (Corey, 2013). When a person minimalizes or magnifies a situation they are either giving the situation too much or too little attention (Corey, 2013). Personalization is when a person relates an external event to themselves, even when there is no connection to the situation and labeling/mislabeling is when a person portrays themselves by their imperfections, allowing them to project a person’s true identity (Corey, 2013). Dichotomous thinking is when a person sees events in a warped way (Corey, 2013). Beck used the categorizations to help pinpoint specific areas, which a person was struggling with and then would be able to successfully create a treatment plan (David, et al, 2014). Another psychologist that conducted research that has been instrumental to the cognitive behavioral method’s growth is Donald Meichenbaum. Meichenbaum created cognitive behavior modification (CBM) in the late 1970’s. CBM involves encouraging clients to see how they are impacting others with their behavior and help them become aware of how they feel, think, and behave. CBM uses less instructional analysis within therapy, encouraging clients to become more aware of their self- talk and make necessary changes in their thought patterns (Corey, 2013). Recently the development of a “third wave” of cognitive therapy has been recognized. This third wave puts into question of whether the true goal of CT should be to control our thoughts, or if we should embrace them for what they are and change how we think not what we think (Plum & Hebblethwaite, 2013). The major third wave therapy approaches include: Acceptance and commitment theory, mindfulness based cognitive theory, dialectical behavior therapy, behavioral activation, and integrative couples therapy (Plum & Hebblethwaite, 2013). Mindfulness based cognitive theory (MBCT) has shown the most promise within Christian counseling with the use of repentance, meditating on the word, and correcting cognitive distortions as chosen tools (Plum & Hebblethwaite, 2013).
Types of Problems Theory is Most Useful
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a goal- oriented therapy in which the counselor helps the client retrain their psychological and behavioral outlook and is used successfully in cases of major depressive disorder (Andrews, 2000).
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat multiple conditions such as mood, anxiety, personality, eating, substance abuse and psychotic disorders. Aaron Beck focused on treating people with depression when he was developing his cognitive treatment program (Corey, 2013). Cognitive behavioral therapy is being use within the Christian counseling arena as well. CBT focuses on creating a more positive thought and behavioral process, which on its own is an excellent form of therapy, but used in conjunction with Christian counseling the effects can be powerful (Pietch, 2012). Cognitive therapy is capable of being successfully integrated with Christian pastoral counsel, assisting believers with a more joyful life by dealing with spiritual and psychological issues from the past (Pietch, 2012). When CBT is integrated within the spiritual context of pastoral care the retraining of the mind that takes place focuses on scripture and the healing power of Jesus (Pietch, 2012). The key to integrating these therapies is using scripture and biblical truth as the focus of the psychological thought retraining process (Pietch, …show more content…
2012). Cognitive Behavioral Modification has successfully been used to help clients with compulsive behaviors, aggression, fear of public speaking or taking tests by using role playing techniques within the counseling session followed by the use of self instructions to work through daily situations (Corey, 2013). Stress inoculation training (SIT) is an application of CBM, which conditions patients to overcome various stressors, anxiety, and phobias in their lives (Corey, 2013). SIT exposes clients to various anxiety producing situations, examines their anxiety levels, teaches clients how to deter stressors, help them examine their thought process and evaluate their self-statements noting the level of anxiety that they exhibit upon re-evaluation (Corey, 2013). CBT is now showing promise in its use for patients with schizophrenia by having patients identify their delusional or paranoid beliefs and evaluating how they negatively impact their lives (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012). Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be successful in treating eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa (Bond & Dryden, 2002). When CBT is used in this context the following steps are used: education, self-monitoring, changing eating patterns, the use of problem solving and self control methods, and cognitive restructuring (Bond & Dryden, 2002). The use of self-help books focusing on behavioral modification has shown to help individuals create significant changes to their condition (Bond & Dryden, 2002). The use of cognitive behavioral therapy has shown promise when treating people with chronic pain conditions (Bond & Dryden, 2002). Within this context a therapist teaches their client relaxation techniques, education, meditation, autogenic training, and cognitive training techniques (Bond & Dryden, 2002).
Strengths of the Theory
Behavioral cognitive therapy helps patients to understand that many mental health problems are not caused by a biogenetic factor, but are the result of many factors; including social, genetic, psychological, and environmental (Lam, 2008). CBT enables clients to feel in control of their lives by giving them the tools they need to embrace change (Lam, 2008). The CBT approach helps remove the stigma that many patients feel pertaining to mental illness by allowing them to see all aspects effecting their psychological condition relieving them of the label of crazy or insane (Lam, 2008). One of the greatest strengths of CBT is that a person’s distorted thought patterns are removed and replaced with positive and true thoughts. This method when used in conjunction to Christian counseling can help drawl a person closer to God while helping them overcome various obstacles. Another strength of CBT is that it is based on the emotional and behavioral reactions that have been learned by each individual (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2011). With CBT clients learn to reject unwanted reactions and learn new positive ways to deal with life situations (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2011). Using this method the length and severity of depression can be shortened as the patient’s focus on their problems are diverted to more positive thoughts (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2011).
Many healthcare providers prefer CBT treatment programs because it is an evidence based treatment that focuses on specific diagnoses, efficiently diagnosing and treating the patients condition in a timely manor (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012). A study done by Botella & Garcia-Palacios evaluated the effectiveness between a 10 session CBT treatment plan and a 5 session CBT plan for anxiety treatment showed that both plans had very comparative success results 12 weeks post treatment (Lam, 2008). Results similar to these showing the effectiveness of CBT in the brief therapy arena make it a much sought after treatment for people who are hesitant to seek psychiatric treatment. (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012).
Weaknesses of the Theory
As there are many strengths within cognitive behavioral therapy there are many weaknesses as well. All CBT therapies reflect a rigid thinking style; can lack logical consistency, and objective empirical support (David, et al, 2014). One weakness found within the REBT method is an underlying anti-religious theme, which creator Albert Ellis is notorious for (Johnson, et al, 2000). Another area of weakness could also be considered an area of strength within the right context; where the restructuring focus is for the client (Crabb, 1977). Many Christian counselors shy away from secular psychological methods because of were the emotional focus is placed at and the lack of realization that their significance and needs can only be met by God (Crabb, 1977). Another weakness of REBT is the lack of focus on a person’s past as part of restructuring their faulty belief system (Corey, 2013). With REBT the therapist has a great deal of influence over what is an acceptable belief system and what is not, this could potentially cause more problems if the therapist imposes their values onto the client (Corey, 2013). Ellis practiced REBT theory in a manor that was rough and abrasive thus this method may not work for many personalities (Corey, 2013). Beck’s cognitive therapy has been criticized as well for the lack of focus on a persons past as part of the counseling focus (Corey, 2013). Beck’s CT therapy has been criticized for the over use of positive thinking as the sole vehicle for change, creating a superficial aura of healing when feelings and unconscious factors have not been addressed (Corey, 2013). Most cognitive therapists do not explore deep- rooted issues that might be causing the clients problems (Corey, 2013). Potential weaknesses to Meichenbaum’s cognitive behavior modification lay in spending too much time focusing on SIT techniques or spending too much time focusing on a client’s internal dialog (Corey, 2013).
Conclusion
Cognitive behavioral therapy has gained considerable popularity as a therapeutic method in the treatment of various psychological issues and has especially shown promise within the treatment of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse cases.
Just as there are several method’s used within the cognitive behavioral therapy arena, each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. As with any form of therapy CBT should be used on clients only after a thorough evaluation shows that treatment with this method would be compatible with the patient’s personality and psychiatric diagnosis. The use of CBT may not be recommended for people showing evidence of deep rooted issues with their past, as CBT focuses on refocusing thought patterns and not investigating past issues. Continued research into its usage with higher levels of psychosis and depression show promise into further uses of this
method.
References
Andrews, L., (2010). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Encyclopedia of Depression. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Press. 112-113. Gale Virtual Reference Library.
Bond, F. & Dryden, W. (2002) The handbook of brief cognitive behavior therapy. West Sussex, England. John Wiley & Sons LTD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. (2011). Healthy Years, 8(2), S8. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA248402997&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=630da1ab04134db79c47203b4349fae1
Corey, G. (2013) Theory and practice of counseling. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning
Crabb, L., (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
David, O., Matu, S., Pintea, S., Cotet, C., & Nagy, D. (2014). Cognitive-behavioral processes based on using the ABC analysis by trainees’ for their personal development. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Vol 32(3), Sep 2014, 198-215.
Duckworth, J. & Freedman, K. (2012). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? National Aliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Inform_Yourself/About_Mental_Illness/About_Treatments_and_Supports/Cognitive_Behavioral_Therapy1.htm
Johnson, W. B., Ridley, C. R., & Nielsen, S. L. (2000). Religiously Sensitive Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: Elegant Aolutions and Ethical risks. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 31(1), 14-20. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.31.1.14
Lam, D. K. (2008). Cognitive behaviour therapy: A practical guide to helping people take control. London, England: Routledge.
Pietsch, S. (2012). Ancient Christian wisdom and Aaron Beck 's cognitive therapy: A meeting of minds. Lutheran Theological Journal, 46(2), 156-158. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1034597523?accountid=12085
Plum, S. & Hebblethwaite, P. (2013). The ‘third wave’ of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Can it be integrated into a Christian context? Mind and Soul. Retrieved from http://www.mindandsoul.info/Articles/232757/Mind_and_Soul/Resources/Articles/Mindfulness/Mindfulness_and_CBT.aspx
Jennifer Z Lewis
Liberty University
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of treatment that helps clients detect and change dysfunctional and false thought and behavioral patterns through restructuring of their thought process. Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be effective with many areas of mental distress including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy has three main founders: Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, and Donald Meichenbaum. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses of cognitive behavioral therapy include rigidity and lack of insight into ones past, which can create a cycling pattern …show more content…
in which the problems could resurface. Strengths of the theory are its use in anxiety disorders, phobias and depression, and helps people gain insight into their “disorder” allowing them to break free of the stigma of the mental illness label (Lam, 2008). Other strengths include retraining wrong self-beliefs and thought patterns, and its successful use in brief therapy scenarios. Care must be taken to ensure that cognitive behavioral therapy is the right fit for the client and if counseling within a Christian context, belief and thought patterns are turned towards Christ.
Theories of Counseling: Behavioral Cognitive Therapy
History of Behavioral Cognitive Theory
Behavioral Cognitive Theory (BCT) originated with Albert Ellis’s rational therapy in 1955, which was later known as rational emotive behavioral therapy or REBT (Corey, 2013). REBT not only was the first of the wave of cognitive behavioral therapies, it is still a major therapeutic approach used to deal with cognition and behavioral conditions (Corey, 2013). The basis of REBT is the assumption that cognitions, emotions, and behaviors significantly interact resulting in a cause and effect relationship (Corey, 2013). REBT is considered to be an integrative approach to counseling because of its emphasis on cognition, emotion, and behavior (Corey, 2013). REBT is based on the belief that all humans from birth have the potential to be either rational or straight thinking and irrational, or have crooked thinking (Corey, 2013). Ellis within his REBT context theorized that experiences and emotions that we are exposed to as children significantly influence the patterns that we exhibit as adults (Corey, 2013). If a person is raised believing that they have no value, they will exhibit irrational and self- defeating beliefs of themselves. A REBT therapist’s goal is to desensitize a person from their intense emotions by helping them learn to react in a healthy way such as rational anger or sadness without succumbing to depression, anxiety, or shame (Corey, 2013). Rational emotive behavioral therapy uses the A-B-C framework to help the therapist understand the feelings, thoughts, events, and behavior of their client (Corey, 2013). The structure of the A-B-C focuses on finding the activating event, naming the belief, assessing the emotional and behavioral consequences for the belief or reaction, and finally helping create a new response pattern with the client (Lam, 2008). Much of REBT entails the use of cognitive restructuring to help a client retrain their thought patterns by stopping their irrational belief thought pattern with rational thoughts (Johnson, et al, 2000). Ellis instituted the use of philosophical restructuring to change the dysfunctional personality traits of his clients (Corey, 2013). Ellis’ philosophical restructuring involves the client fully recognizing the they are responsible for their own emotional problems, that they are capable of changing these disturbances, that their emotional problems stem from their own wrong thought patterns, helping them acknowledge these beliefs and fight them, accept the need to change their dysfunctional patterns, and finally use the REBT methods to help the client to uproot and change their patterns while beginning to practice healthy methods of dealing with conflict (Corey, 2013). Aaron Beck began treating patients in the 1960’s in the psychoanalytic style. The more patients he treated the more that Beck found that his patients had thought patterns that fell into three categories: negative ideas about themselves, the world and/or the future (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012). Beck continued his research eventually formulating cognitive therapy (CT) in the 1960’s. Beck successfully used his cognitive theory on a myriad of different anomalies including depression, personality disorders, and substance abuse (Corey, 2012). CT primarily focuses on assisting clients to examine and restructure their core belief system (Corey, 2012). Beck believes that when a client really delves into the roots of their belief system, counselors will be able to help them bring about lasting changes to their moods and behavior (Corey, 2012). Beck has many unique elements within his theory, including automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions. Automatic thoughts are the thoughts and beliefs that are ingrained within a person. Automatic thoughts can be positive or negative, according to whether a person has developed distorted reasoning or not (Corey, 2013). Cognitive distortions are systematic errors in a person’s reasoning that lead to faulty beliefs and non-truths (Corey, 2013). Cognitive distortions fall into seven categories. Arbitrary inferences are when someone makes conclusions without supporting and relevant evidence, which is making an assumption (Corey, 2013). Selective abstraction is when a person comes to a conclusion based on the events of an isolated incident (Corey, 2013). When a person commits overgeneralization they hold extreme beliefs on the events of one isolated incident and apply them to totally unrelated situations (Corey, 2013). When a person minimalizes or magnifies a situation they are either giving the situation too much or too little attention (Corey, 2013). Personalization is when a person relates an external event to themselves, even when there is no connection to the situation and labeling/mislabeling is when a person portrays themselves by their imperfections, allowing them to project a person’s true identity (Corey, 2013). Dichotomous thinking is when a person sees events in a warped way (Corey, 2013). Beck used the categorizations to help pinpoint specific areas, which a person was struggling with and then would be able to successfully create a treatment plan (David, et al, 2014). Another psychologist that conducted research that has been instrumental to the cognitive behavioral method’s growth is Donald Meichenbaum. Meichenbaum created cognitive behavior modification (CBM) in the late 1970’s. CBM involves encouraging clients to see how they are impacting others with their behavior and help them become aware of how they feel, think, and behave. CBM uses less instructional analysis within therapy, encouraging clients to become more aware of their self- talk and make necessary changes in their thought patterns (Corey, 2013). Recently the development of a “third wave” of cognitive therapy has been recognized. This third wave puts into question of whether the true goal of CT should be to control our thoughts, or if we should embrace them for what they are and change how we think not what we think (Plum & Hebblethwaite, 2013). The major third wave therapy approaches include: Acceptance and commitment theory, mindfulness based cognitive theory, dialectical behavior therapy, behavioral activation, and integrative couples therapy (Plum & Hebblethwaite, 2013). Mindfulness based cognitive theory (MBCT) has shown the most promise within Christian counseling with the use of repentance, meditating on the word, and correcting cognitive distortions as chosen tools (Plum & Hebblethwaite, 2013).
Types of Problems Theory is Most Useful
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a goal- oriented therapy in which the counselor helps the client retrain their psychological and behavioral outlook and is used successfully in cases of major depressive disorder (Andrews, 2000).
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat multiple conditions such as mood, anxiety, personality, eating, substance abuse and psychotic disorders. Aaron Beck focused on treating people with depression when he was developing his cognitive treatment program (Corey, 2013). Cognitive behavioral therapy is being use within the Christian counseling arena as well. CBT focuses on creating a more positive thought and behavioral process, which on its own is an excellent form of therapy, but used in conjunction with Christian counseling the effects can be powerful (Pietch, 2012). Cognitive therapy is capable of being successfully integrated with Christian pastoral counsel, assisting believers with a more joyful life by dealing with spiritual and psychological issues from the past (Pietch, 2012). When CBT is integrated within the spiritual context of pastoral care the retraining of the mind that takes place focuses on scripture and the healing power of Jesus (Pietch, 2012). The key to integrating these therapies is using scripture and biblical truth as the focus of the psychological thought retraining process (Pietch, …show more content…
2012). Cognitive Behavioral Modification has successfully been used to help clients with compulsive behaviors, aggression, fear of public speaking or taking tests by using role playing techniques within the counseling session followed by the use of self instructions to work through daily situations (Corey, 2013). Stress inoculation training (SIT) is an application of CBM, which conditions patients to overcome various stressors, anxiety, and phobias in their lives (Corey, 2013). SIT exposes clients to various anxiety producing situations, examines their anxiety levels, teaches clients how to deter stressors, help them examine their thought process and evaluate their self-statements noting the level of anxiety that they exhibit upon re-evaluation (Corey, 2013). CBT is now showing promise in its use for patients with schizophrenia by having patients identify their delusional or paranoid beliefs and evaluating how they negatively impact their lives (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012). Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be successful in treating eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa (Bond & Dryden, 2002). When CBT is used in this context the following steps are used: education, self-monitoring, changing eating patterns, the use of problem solving and self control methods, and cognitive restructuring (Bond & Dryden, 2002). The use of self-help books focusing on behavioral modification has shown to help individuals create significant changes to their condition (Bond & Dryden, 2002). The use of cognitive behavioral therapy has shown promise when treating people with chronic pain conditions (Bond & Dryden, 2002). Within this context a therapist teaches their client relaxation techniques, education, meditation, autogenic training, and cognitive training techniques (Bond & Dryden, 2002).
Strengths of the Theory
Behavioral cognitive therapy helps patients to understand that many mental health problems are not caused by a biogenetic factor, but are the result of many factors; including social, genetic, psychological, and environmental (Lam, 2008). CBT enables clients to feel in control of their lives by giving them the tools they need to embrace change (Lam, 2008). The CBT approach helps remove the stigma that many patients feel pertaining to mental illness by allowing them to see all aspects effecting their psychological condition relieving them of the label of crazy or insane (Lam, 2008). One of the greatest strengths of CBT is that a person’s distorted thought patterns are removed and replaced with positive and true thoughts. This method when used in conjunction to Christian counseling can help drawl a person closer to God while helping them overcome various obstacles. Another strength of CBT is that it is based on the emotional and behavioral reactions that have been learned by each individual (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2011). With CBT clients learn to reject unwanted reactions and learn new positive ways to deal with life situations (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2011). Using this method the length and severity of depression can be shortened as the patient’s focus on their problems are diverted to more positive thoughts (Cognitive behavioral therapy, 2011).
Many healthcare providers prefer CBT treatment programs because it is an evidence based treatment that focuses on specific diagnoses, efficiently diagnosing and treating the patients condition in a timely manor (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012). A study done by Botella & Garcia-Palacios evaluated the effectiveness between a 10 session CBT treatment plan and a 5 session CBT plan for anxiety treatment showed that both plans had very comparative success results 12 weeks post treatment (Lam, 2008). Results similar to these showing the effectiveness of CBT in the brief therapy arena make it a much sought after treatment for people who are hesitant to seek psychiatric treatment. (Duckworth & Freedman, 2012).
Weaknesses of the Theory
As there are many strengths within cognitive behavioral therapy there are many weaknesses as well. All CBT therapies reflect a rigid thinking style; can lack logical consistency, and objective empirical support (David, et al, 2014). One weakness found within the REBT method is an underlying anti-religious theme, which creator Albert Ellis is notorious for (Johnson, et al, 2000). Another area of weakness could also be considered an area of strength within the right context; where the restructuring focus is for the client (Crabb, 1977). Many Christian counselors shy away from secular psychological methods because of were the emotional focus is placed at and the lack of realization that their significance and needs can only be met by God (Crabb, 1977). Another weakness of REBT is the lack of focus on a person’s past as part of restructuring their faulty belief system (Corey, 2013). With REBT the therapist has a great deal of influence over what is an acceptable belief system and what is not, this could potentially cause more problems if the therapist imposes their values onto the client (Corey, 2013). Ellis practiced REBT theory in a manor that was rough and abrasive thus this method may not work for many personalities (Corey, 2013). Beck’s cognitive therapy has been criticized as well for the lack of focus on a persons past as part of the counseling focus (Corey, 2013). Beck’s CT therapy has been criticized for the over use of positive thinking as the sole vehicle for change, creating a superficial aura of healing when feelings and unconscious factors have not been addressed (Corey, 2013). Most cognitive therapists do not explore deep- rooted issues that might be causing the clients problems (Corey, 2013). Potential weaknesses to Meichenbaum’s cognitive behavior modification lay in spending too much time focusing on SIT techniques or spending too much time focusing on a client’s internal dialog (Corey, 2013).
Conclusion
Cognitive behavioral therapy has gained considerable popularity as a therapeutic method in the treatment of various psychological issues and has especially shown promise within the treatment of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse cases.
Just as there are several method’s used within the cognitive behavioral therapy arena, each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. As with any form of therapy CBT should be used on clients only after a thorough evaluation shows that treatment with this method would be compatible with the patient’s personality and psychiatric diagnosis. The use of CBT may not be recommended for people showing evidence of deep rooted issues with their past, as CBT focuses on refocusing thought patterns and not investigating past issues. Continued research into its usage with higher levels of psychosis and depression show promise into further uses of this
method.
References
Andrews, L., (2010). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Encyclopedia of Depression. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Press. 112-113. Gale Virtual Reference Library.
Bond, F. & Dryden, W. (2002) The handbook of brief cognitive behavior therapy. West Sussex, England. John Wiley & Sons LTD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. (2011). Healthy Years, 8(2), S8. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA248402997&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=630da1ab04134db79c47203b4349fae1
Corey, G. (2013) Theory and practice of counseling. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning
Crabb, L., (1977). Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
David, O., Matu, S., Pintea, S., Cotet, C., & Nagy, D. (2014). Cognitive-behavioral processes based on using the ABC analysis by trainees’ for their personal development. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Vol 32(3), Sep 2014, 198-215.
Duckworth, J. & Freedman, K. (2012). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? National Aliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Inform_Yourself/About_Mental_Illness/About_Treatments_and_Supports/Cognitive_Behavioral_Therapy1.htm
Johnson, W. B., Ridley, C. R., & Nielsen, S. L. (2000). Religiously Sensitive Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: Elegant Aolutions and Ethical risks. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 31(1), 14-20. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.31.1.14
Lam, D. K. (2008). Cognitive behaviour therapy: A practical guide to helping people take control. London, England: Routledge.
Pietsch, S. (2012). Ancient Christian wisdom and Aaron Beck 's cognitive therapy: A meeting of minds. Lutheran Theological Journal, 46(2), 156-158. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1034597523?accountid=12085
Plum, S. & Hebblethwaite, P. (2013). The ‘third wave’ of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Can it be integrated into a Christian context? Mind and Soul. Retrieved from http://www.mindandsoul.info/Articles/232757/Mind_and_Soul/Resources/Articles/Mindfulness/Mindfulness_and_CBT.aspx