History Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Intervention Overview Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was developed largely in part by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s. As a psychiatry professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Beck was on a mission to create wide-acceptance of psychoanalysis through a variety of experiments. The result of his experiments, however, led him to develop what he believed to be a better, short-term, more effective treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—an intervention that stresses the importance of the role of cognition in understanding behavioral or emotional issues. Although the intervention was largely demonstrated as successful in depressed clients, he adapted this new therapy to fit varying types of populations and problems (Beck, 2011). …show more content…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy developed from Behaviorism Theory—a theory that individuals are programmed to respond to stimuli in particular patterns which are both adjustable and often predictable (Maguire 2008). Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Behaviorism Theory, and how it relates to understanding and treating underlying problems, is the logic that a client’s intelligence is an evolutionary, biological adaptation to their environment and that reaction to stimulation shapes behavioral learning (Overview of Theories of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2008). This means, by utilizing CBT and its underlying theory, clients can successfully learn adaptive behaviors (positive thoughts and better behavioral choices) in reaction to previously problem-inducing environments or …show more content…

. . cognitive therapists also tend to the feelings and moods of the client, incorporating empathetic aspects of person-centered therapy.” Other helpful strategies in CBT can include psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring (Joyce-Beaulieu & Sulkowski, 2015). Using CBT strategies and methods, individuals can learn to identify the connection between their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions to form better habits. Positive reinforcement, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques as helpful CBT intervention strategies will be explored. Positive reinforcement helps to offer a reward or praise for an improvement in a maladaptive behavior. Carroll (2006) found that positive reinforcement increased completion of counseling homework, counseling session attendance, and helped lower substance abuse. In utilizing cognitive restructuring in CBT, the therapist needs to identify the client’s maladaptive thought patterns (these can come from statements that are clearly unhealthy). Next, being able to explain this maladaptive thinking to the client is an essential component in cognitive restructuring (Joyce-Beaulieu & Sulkowski, 2015). Lastly, relaxation techniques are extremely helpful in anxious or anger-prone clients. Techniques like short-term belly-breathing (deep breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth) and

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