CBT Flashcards
What is the main assumption of the cognitive approach that influences CBT?
The main assumption is that our thought processes influence our emotions and behavior. If these thoughts are faulty, they can lead to mental health issues, and the goal of CBT is to change these faulty thoughts
How does the assumption of internal mental processes apply to CBT?
Cognitive psychologists believe our mental processes (e.g., perception, memory) affect behavior. In CBT, therapists help clients identify and change faulty thinking, which can improve behavior and emotional responses.
How do schemas influence CBT?
Schemas are mental frameworks formed from experiences. In CBT, negative schemas (e.g., Beck’s cognitive triad) are challenged and restructured to change unhealthy thinking patterns and improve mental health.
What are the 3 main stages of CBT?
Conceptualisation stage: Building rapport, identifying dysfunctional thoughts, using Socratic questioning, and setting therapy goals.
Skills acquisition and application: Restructuring negative thoughts, teaching new ways of thinking, and assigning homework tasks.
Ending treatment: Agreement on treatment completion, arranging follow-up sessions if necessary.
What does the conceptualisation stage in CBT involve?
The therapist works with the client to identify and explore dysfunctional thoughts, using Socratic questioning to challenge these thoughts and set therapy goals.
What occurs in the skills acquisition and application stage of CBT?
The therapist helps the client restructure negative thoughts, teaches new thinking patterns, and assigns behavioral tasks (e.g., keeping a thought diary, scheduling pleasant activities).
How long does a typical CBT treatment last?
CBT usually lasts 8-20 sessions, with each session lasting about 1 hour. The treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs and problems.
How effective is CBT for treating depression and anxiety?
Studies show CBT is highly effective in treating depression and anxiety. For example, Jarrett et al. found that CBT was as effective as antidepressants and more effective than a placebo in treating severe depression.
What is the importance of therapist competence in CBT?
Therapist competence plays a crucial role in CBT’s effectiveness. Kuyken and Tsivrikos found that up to 15% of CBT’s success could be attributed to the therapist’s skill and experience
How does CBT’s effectiveness vary with individual differences?
CBT is less effective for individuals with rigid, irrational beliefs or those dealing with high levels of stress that cannot be resolved by therapy.
Why is CBT considered an empowering therapy?
CBT empowers clients to develop their own coping strategies, making it a preferred option over drug therapy and psychoanalysis, particularly for those who prefer active control over their mental health.
What ethical issue arises from the cognitive approach’s view on free will?
The cognitive approach assumes that individuals have free will to control their thoughts. While empowering, this could overlook situational factors like family problems or life events that may also need to be addressed for recovery.
How might CBT’s approach to irrational beliefs raise an ethical issue?
Some thoughts that the therapist deems irrational may not be irrational to the client. For example, Alloy and Abrahamson found that depressed individuals may have a more realistic view of the world, while non-depressed people often distort things positively. CBT may challenge these “realistic” thoughts, potentially causing harm.
What ethical concern does CBT raise about self-esteem?
CBT’s focus on challenging irrational beliefs may lead to clients feeling their thoughts are wrong, which could harm their self-esteem and potentially cause psychological distress.
