A Theory Based Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
ASSIGNMENT:
‘A theory based evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’
The purpose of this essay is to provide a theory based evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The first part of this essay will concentrate on defining CBT including a brief description of its derived history and the therapies that have contributed to its development. I will then move on to review the tools used in the four step process of CBT (assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation). I will also incorporate how my learning of theoretical concepts relates to my work based practice.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to solve problems concerning with dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and thinking (cognitions) through a goal-orientated, systematic procedure. According to Craddy, CBT helps clients to change their behaviour and their thinking patterns. He states that clients can learn to ‘tolerate unpleasant feelings and discover that they are likely to diminish with time…they can be persuaded that avoiding experiences of any level of anxiety in the short term is not necessarily advantageous to their mental health’ (Craddy, 2006 p.28). CBT is a brief and time limited therapy which is highly effective for a number of disorders including phobias, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, drug or alcohol problems and sleeping disorders.
From the 1970’s CBT became politically appealing in the United Kingdom. At that time there was a large number of the population being in receipt of sickness benefits and on medication causing a financial burden on the economy. The Government’s aim was therefore to address these issues by using CBT. This therapy suited the political agenda as CBT was cost effective, measurable and was a short term intervention particularly when compared to other therapies. However, it is important to recognise that CBT does not meet the needs of all individuals and will therefore not always be effective.
‘A theory based evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’
The purpose of this essay is to provide a theory based evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The first part of this essay will concentrate on defining CBT including a brief description of its derived history and the therapies that have contributed to its development. I will then move on to review the tools used in the four step process of CBT (assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation). I will also incorporate how my learning of theoretical concepts relates to my work based practice.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to solve problems concerning with dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and thinking (cognitions) through a goal-orientated, systematic procedure. According to Craddy, CBT helps clients to change their behaviour and their thinking patterns. He states that clients can learn to ‘tolerate unpleasant feelings and discover that they are likely to diminish with time…they can be persuaded that avoiding experiences of any level of anxiety in the short term is not necessarily advantageous to their mental health’ (Craddy, 2006 p.28). CBT is a brief and time limited therapy which is highly effective for a number of disorders including phobias, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, drug or alcohol problems and sleeping disorders.
From the 1970’s CBT became politically appealing in the United Kingdom. At that time there was a large number of the population being in receipt of sickness benefits and on medication causing a financial burden on the economy. The Government’s aim was therefore to address these issues by using CBT. This therapy suited the political agenda as CBT was cost effective, measurable and was a short term intervention particularly when compared to other therapies. However, it is important to recognise that CBT does not meet the needs of all individuals and will therefore not always be effective.
References: 2. Clarkc D, Fairburn, CG & Gelder, MG. (1997). Science & practice of CBT, Oxford, Oxford University Press 3 4. Genova, P (2003). Cognitive Therapy’s Faulty Schema in Psychiatric Times, October 2003 5 6. Martinsen, EW, Olsen T & Tonset E (1998). Cognitive Behavioural Group therapy for Panic Disorder in the general clinical setting, New York, McGraw-Hill 7 8. Nadig, L.A (1999). Tips on Active Listening – publisher unknown 9 10. Simmons, J & Griffiths, R (2009). CBT for Beginners, London, Sage 11 12. Westbrook D, Kennerley H & Kirk, J (2011). An introduction to Cognitive Behaviour therapy: Skills & Applications (2nd Edition), London, Sage. 13. Wills, F (2006). Delivering CBT in Therapy Today – June 2006