What is Cognitive-Behavior Therapy?
All therapeutic interventions involve processes, but some procedures are specifically directed toward changing clients’ maladaptive cognitions. These techniques, known as cognitive-behavioral or simply cognitive therapy, attempt to modify maladaptive behavior by influencing a client’s cognitions (beliefs, schemas, self-statements, and problem-solving strategies). Cognitive-behavioral therapists see a larger role than traditional behaviorists do for thoughts as causes of overt behavior. Indeed, they assume that emotional problems are largely caused by irrational or maladaptive thinking and that restructuring these cognitions will be therapeutic. Cognitive therapists also believe that certain cognitions, particularly thoughts about self, are especially important in the development of disorder (Salovey & Singer, 1991). These thoughts are usually connected to emotions; they affect how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Cognitions influence our outlook on the future
Cognitive therapy, also know as cognitive-behavior therapy, is a uniquely effective treatment for both anxiety disorders and depression. It is also highly effective for sexual dysfunctions and some eating disorders and can be beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their sense of emotional well-being. It is clearly the treatment of choice for anxiety disorders with numerous treatment outcome studies showing it to provide the greatest improvement with the most lasting results. In many ways cognitive-behavior therapy is an educative approach, where the therapist takes an active role. Most people can be helped with short-term therapy, usually from 5-15 sessions, while some people may require longer therapy. Cognitive-behavior therapy combines two great therapeutic traditions those of cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy, developed by Aaron Beck M.D., focuses on changing dysfunctional thinking patterns and is based on the fact that there is a very close relationship
