Judith S. Beck's Cognitive Therapy

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In her book, Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (2011), Judith S. Beck defines cognitive therapy as “a structures, short –term, present-orientated psychotherapy for depression, directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behavior” (Beck, 2011, p.2). Dysfunctional thinking can happen as a result of an individual consistently experiencing (negative) automatics thoughts. Beck defines automatic thoughts as “quick, evaluative thoughts” (Beck, 2011, p.31). She goes on to state, “these thoughts seem to spring up spontaneously; they are often quite rapid and brief. You may barely be aware of these thoughts; you are far more likely to be aware of the emotion or behavior that follows (Beck, 2011, p.31). …show more content…

Rodriguez is suffering from persistent depressive disorder (PDD). As a result of Ms. Rodriguez’s (PDD) diagnosis, she is experiencing cognitive distortions. One automatic thought Ms. Rodriguez had was “she lacked the talent to find more satisfying work”. This type of thought is identified as a labeling thought. Another thought Ms. Rodriguez had was “I am no good, I am messed up, I scare men away”. This type of thought is defined as mental filter, which is when the client only notices the negative in the situation versus analyzing the whole story. In addition, Ms. Rodriguez stated, “I have $3000 credit card bill, I will never be able to pay it off”. This thought can be identified as catastrophizing, which is when the client assumes she knows what will happen in her future (Beck, 2011, …show more content…

Rodriguez is suffering from (PDD) which is causing her to have low moods and question the “purpose of life”. To clarify there is a correlation between actions and feelings in behavioral activation. Therefore, this intervention could be useful for Ms. Rodriguez because if she does something she finds pleasurable, she will have an increase in mood. Ms. Rodriguez mentioned, “enjoying jogging and the outdoors” and if we are able to help her schedule these activities in her daily life she might feel less down than she normally does. I think there is a 50/50 chance the client will either love this intervention or not. I make this statement because the client was able to clearly articulate activities she found to be pleasurable in the past however, she is in a space where she might not find joy or the purpose in taking part in these activities. As mentioned previously I am unclear what the client has identified as her needs being but if she is coming for psychotherapy to combat the depression, this intervention is appropriate. Now based on the description given of the client, I do not think Ms. Rodriguez has any physical limitations, or cultural disconnects that will impede her from being able to take-part in implementing behavioral activation in her daily life. In order to carry out this intervention I will like to further explore Ms. Rodriguez interest, I would

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