Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that puts an emphasis on our thinking rather than external influences. It is not a stand-alone or distinct type of therapy but is a more general term for many different types of therapies with similar qualities and approaches. Among these other approaches are Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. The idea behind CBT is that our thoughts, actions, and behaviors are caused by our feelings and not outside influences like events, people, and various situations. If we change our thought we can change our behaviors and deal with these outside influences more effectively. This method makes change easier in that it

It was developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. Dr. Ellis developed RET out of a dislike of the current use of psychoanalysis. He considered psychoanalysis inefficient. Like existential therapy, the idea of CBT goes back to the early Greek Stoic philosophers that considered ourselves as the problem rather than external influences in which we interact (NACBT). Another early proponent of CBT was Alfred Adler who said “I am convinced that a person’s behavior springs from his ideas. In the 1960’s Cognitive Behavior Therapy was developed by Aaron Beck, M.D. initially this treatment was praised for its use to treat

The therapist will ask a variety of questions and based on the responses they will seek meaning in those responses, a type of Socratic line of questioning. This line of questioning is to get the patient to view problems differently and come up with alternative solutions. When these alternative solutions are identified then experiments can be conducted to test if these solutions will work. When the patient responds with avoidance, lessened activity or behaviors that can be detrimental to their treatment they risk having the problems continuing or the person feeling worse. The therapist will work to gradually lessen the patient’s anxiety to the point where they are comfortable with trying new behavior skills that will eventually get rid of the