Index
- introduction
- CBT principles
- How it works
- Diploma
- reference list
introduction
Commonly called CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach through which people change the way they think (cognitive) and behave (behavioural).1. These changes arise from the changes that result from setting goals and achieving them.
In the treatment of depression, CBT has found wide application due to its satisfactory positive results. Rather than treating or addressing the root causes of depression, CBT is concerned with finding ways to address depression in the here and now. It is about finding solutions to the current state of depression. The TCC traces its origins to Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, who designed it in the late 1950s.
Nemade, Reiss y Dombeck2Note: "Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the single basic idea that cognition, in the form of preconceived thoughts and notions, precedes and determines people's emotional responses." Because they act in a certain way, hence their behavior.
CBT principles
CBT works on the principle that positive thoughts and behaviors predict positive moods and this can be learned; Therefore, by learning to think and behave positively, one can replace negative thoughts with positive ones and eliminate depression.
As mentioned above, depression is the product of maladaptive practices and dysfunctional thoughts that result from the way one views a situation. “These maladaptive thought patterns are also known as negative or maladaptive schemas or core beliefs. Core beliefs are basic assumptions that people have made that affect the way they view the world and themselves.2
When people think a certain way over a period of time, those thoughts become habits, and people stop questioning them as they become a part of life. Over time, people accept these core values as realities because they guide their lives. Since these core behaviors are just perceptions and not necessarily reality, CBT seeks to correct them and transform them from negative thoughts to positive thoughts.
By replacing these negative thoughts with positive ones, core values change and people begin to see themselves in a different light. Continuously feeding the mind with positive thoughts makes those positive thoughts automatic, and whenever one is in a certain situation, those thoughts arise effortlessly, allowing one to deal effectively with the stress and anger of life. .
How it works
CBT works simply, breaking problems into small chunks and solving them one by one. A psychologist identifies a problem, namely the depressing situation. From this situation, a psychologist monitors your thoughts, emotions, feelings and actions.
After this identification, the therapist helps the patient to have positive thoughts that allow him to see the depressive situation from a positive perspective. CBT uses the principle that thoughts determine feelings and feelings determine actions.3. Thus, CBT states that a situation evokes certain thoughts, which in turn evoke certain feelings, which lead to certain actions.
Therefore, by correcting your thoughts to see all situations in a positive light, you change your feelings and therefore change your actions, resulting in a change in behavior. In other words, CBT focuses on changing the cognitive, which in turn changes the behavior. As mentioned above, dealing with depression with CBT is quite easy.
A depressed person meets with a therapist for some time at an agreed time, usually weekly, and the patient, with the help of the therapist, breaks the problem into small parts. Next, the therapist lists different positive thoughts that the patient can use whenever he is faced with the depressive situation. The patient begins to deal with one problem at a time and this involves keeping a diary of what to do and when, as well as setting short and long term goals.
By analyzing the patient's various thoughts to determine how they would affect him, the psychologist helps the patient replace bad or negative outcomes with good, positive ones. Since this is easier said than done, psychologists give the patient some homework to use these thoughts in the depressive situation.
Another meeting follows in which the therapist assesses how the patient is doing to see if any activities should be added or removed from the list. Over time, depressed people realize that the things that bring them down are things of their own making and, in some cases, not real. For example, someone might think that they would only be happy if everyone liked them, and not doing so leads to depression.
Replacing those negative thoughts with positive thoughts like, "I'm happy whether people like me or not" changes the situation. In this case, this situation was not realistic; it existed only in the mind of the individual.
Today, there are computerized CBT programs that allow depressed people to manage their depression without the help of a therapist. However, this new form of CBT requires you to be accountable for your actions to ensure the program runs smoothly and successfully.
CBT works as efficiently as antidepressants4. With the advent of computer-assisted CBT replacing a therapist, people can now access this psychotherapeutic intervention more easily and at a lower cost.
This is the preferred form of treatment over antidepressants, which can have some side effects.5. The logic of this treatment is that situations evoke thoughts, thoughts determine one's feelings, and feelings lead to actions, which in turn determine one's behavior.
Therefore, changing someone's thoughts by systematically replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts changes feelings, feelings change actions, and these actions define the person's behavior, hence the name cognitive behavioral therapy. In most cases, people become depressed because of things they have done to themselves and because of changes in their perceptions and behaviors.
Diploma
CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to change a person's thought patterns to suit desired results. This approach is based on the principle that thoughts (cognition) determine a person's feelings, which in turn guide behavior. Depression is a product of unproductive, negative, and distorted thought patterns on which an individual builds their perceptions regarding a particular situation.
Over time, these perceptions become beliefs (core values) that drive perceptions of different situations. In most cases, depressive states are not real; they are just created perceptions that exist only in the "world" of the observer. CBT approaches this issue from the perspective that thoughts determine a person's feelings.
Since depressed people are only victims of negative thoughts, CBT tries to replace these thoughts with new, positive thoughts. When positive thoughts related to the depressive situation take root in the depressed person's mind, the depression disappears, but it requires effort, either from a therapist or computer programs to guide the way out.
reference list
1Butler AC, Chapman JE, Forman EM, Beck AT. The empirical state of cognitive behavioral therapy: a meta-analysis review. Clin Psychol Rev. 2006; 26(1): 17-31.
2Nemade R, Reiss NS, Dombeck M. Cognitive behavioral therapy in major depression. 2007; [cited May 8, 2010]. Available in: <https://www.mentalhelp.net/depression/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/>
3read D.T. Professional Underutilization by Recovery, Inc. Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. 2005; 19(1):63-71.
4Burns D. The Handbook for Wellness. New York: Spring Books, 2006.
5McCullough JP. Treatment of chronic depression: cognitive behavioral analysis system psychotherapy (CBASP). Guilford Press, 2003.
FAQs
What is CBT therapy examples? ›
What are examples of cognitive behavioral therapy? Examples of CBT techniques might include the following: Exposing yourself to situations that cause anxiety, like going into a crowded public space. Journaling about your thoughts throughout the day and recording your feelings about your thoughts.
How does cognitive behavioral therapy help treat depression? ›Cognitive therapy is a treatment process that helps patients correct false self-beliefs that lead to certain moods and behaviors. The fundamental principle behind cognitive therapy is that a thought precedes a mood, and that both are interrelated with a person's environment, physical reaction, and subsequent behavior.
How does CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy work with those suffering from depression? ›CBT teaches you to become aware of and adjust negative patterns, which can help you reframe your thinking during moments of heightened anxiety or panic. It can also provide new coping skills, like meditation or journaling, for those struggling with a substance use disorder or depression.
How would Cognitive Behavioral explain depression? ›According to cognitive therapists, depression is maintained by constant negative thoughts. These thoughts are known as automatic thoughts. That means they occur without a conscious effort.
What is CBT in real life example? ›In cognitive behavioral therapy, people are often taught new skills that can be used in real-world situations. For example, someone with a substance use disorder might practice new coping skills and rehearse ways to avoid or deal with social situations that could potentially trigger a relapse.
How does CBT treatment work? ›CBT aims to stop negative cycles such as these by breaking down things that make you feel bad, anxious or scared. By making your problems more manageable, CBT can help you change your negative thought patterns and improve the way you feel.
What is a cognitive behavior therapist most likely to focus on during treatment for depression? ›Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment approach for a range of mental and emotional health issues, including anxiety and depression. CBT aims to help you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and to learn practical self-help strategies.
Which type of cognitive therapy is most effective at treating depression? ›EVIDENCE BASE FOR COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN DEPRESSION
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based psychological interventions for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorder, and substance use disorder.
You work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
What therapy is most successful in treating depression? ›Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
This form of therapy is considered by many to be the gold standard in depression treatment.
How does CBT affect mental health? ›
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy. It is a common treatment for a range of mental health problems. CBT teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems. It focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and actions.
What are examples of cognitive therapy for depression? ›Examples of cognitive therapy in action
People with depression usually have lost interest in activities that used to give them pleasure. A cognitive therapist may schedule activities their patient used to enjoy, such as taking long walks or meditating, and encourage them to try engaging in them again.
According to cognitive behavioral theory, depressed people think differently than non-depressed people, and it is this difference in thinking that causes them to become depressed. For example, depressed people tend to view themselves, their environment, and the future in a negative, pessimistic light.
What are the three main aspects of the cognitive explanation of depression? ›Beck developed a cognitive explanation of depression which has three components: a) cognitive bias; b) negative self-schemas; c) the negative triad.
What is CBT one sentence? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
How is CBT used in everyday life? ›CBT skills help us create a map from our behavioral problem to our core thinking problem, to our core believing problem. This can assist us in making our own informed decisions about how we want to feel and think, and act, as well as what we want to believe.
How to do CBT on yourself? ›- Scheduling activities that bring you enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
- Recognizing how your actions influence your thoughts and emotions.
- Making the best use of your time.
- Breaking down daunting tasks into more manageable ones.
- Facing your fears gradually so they diminish.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It's most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.
How long does it take for CBT to work for depression? ›A highly effective psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can affect our feelings and behavior. Traditional CBT treatment usually requires weekly 30- to 60-minute sessions over 12 to 20 weeks.
Who does CBT benefit the most? ›Specifically, patients with greater capacity to identify and articulate thoughts and feelings and to share them in a nondefensive, focused way benefit most from CBT.
Who does CBT help the most? ›
Anxiety and depression - CBT is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where the main problem is anxiety (eg. generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder) or depression. Phobias and OCD - CBT is the most effective psychological treatment for phobias and OCD.
How successful is CBT treatment? ›How Effective is CBT? Research shows that CBT is the most effective form of treatment for those coping with depression and anxiety. CBT alone is 50-75% effective for overcoming depression and anxiety after 5 – 15 modules.
How to do CBT therapy with a client? ›Conducting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) seems pretty straightforward: you explain to the client how thoughts lead to feelings. You examine the client's beliefs. You show them how they are distorting their thoughts, leading to negative feelings. You help the client change their thoughts.
How does CBT explain personality? ›Beck's cognitive explanation of personality disorders essentially asserts that people with personality disorders act in the dysfunctional ways that they do because their core beliefs. Core beliefs represent assumptions about ourselves, other people, and the world around us.
What is the number one way to treat depression? ›Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.
What kind of therapy do people with depression need? ›Because cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy work well together to treat depression and anxiety disorders, the two are often combined in an approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on addressing both the negative thought patterns and the behaviors that contribute to depression.
Does therapy actually work for depression? ›Psychotherapy can help patients learn ways to better cope with stress and manage their symptoms of depression. These strategies can lead to recovery and enable patients to function at their best.
What are the 5 steps of CBT? ›- Step One – Make A List.
- Step Two – Record Unproductive Thoughts.
- Step Three – Create Replacement Thoughts.
- Step Four – Read Your List Often.
- Step Five – Notice And Replace.
Depression is associated with (1) cognitive biases in self-referential processing, attention, interpretation, and memory; (2) the use of maladaptive versus adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies; and (3) deficits in cognitive control over mood-congruent material, which in turn, contributes to cognitive biases ...
What are cognitive risk factors for depression? ›Cognitive risk factors for depression involve tendencies to interpret events in negatively distorted ways. The result is that when a stressful life event occurs, it is likely to trigger depression because of the tendency to interpret these events in a manner which has a negative effect on mood.
What are common CBT techniques? ›
- Journaling. ...
- Unraveling cognitive distortions. ...
- Cognitive restructuring. ...
- Exposure and response prevention. ...
- Interoceptive exposure. ...
- Nightmare exposure and rescripting. ...
- Play the script until the end. ...
- Progressive muscle relaxation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It's most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.
How to do CBT with a client? ›Conducting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) seems pretty straightforward: you explain to the client how thoughts lead to feelings. You examine the client's beliefs. You show them how they are distorting their thoughts, leading to negative feelings. You help the client change their thoughts.
How do you use CBT on yourself? ›- Scheduling activities that bring you enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
- Recognizing how your actions influence your thoughts and emotions.
- Making the best use of your time.
- Breaking down daunting tasks into more manageable ones.
- Facing your fears gradually so they diminish.
CBT is effective because it has the capacity to engage even the most serious problems. Therapists using CBT as a primary method for treating their clients report success with highly complex disorders like PTSD, specific phobias, generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder, depressive disorder and many more.
How long does it take for CBT to work? ›A highly effective psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can affect our feelings and behavior. Traditional CBT treatment usually requires weekly 30- to 60-minute sessions over 12 to 20 weeks.