Cognitive Behavioural Approaches

Question 1

What is the cognitive behavioral approach

Answer 1

“An active, directive, time-limited, structured approach.” (Beck et al., 1979)

All our responses are a result of a complex interplay of actions and reactions

It is the loops of cause and effect within ourselves that are of special interest

Is often referred to as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Question 2

loops of cause and effect - 3 points

Answer 2

Interactions with the outside world cause multiple reactions and interactions within your internal environment

Our internal reactions then inform our behaviour and potentially, future actions/reactions

This meaning we attach to events varies, both in terms of variation in response between individuals, but also within ourselves

Question 3

CBA focuses on four internal aspects:
same as points on the hot cross bun model

Answer 3

behaviour
physical sensation
emotion
thoughts

Question 4

CBA to treatment of psychopathology come into play when recognising patterns of:

Answer 4

Distorted thinking and dysfunctional behavior

Question 5

Vicious Circle 4 points

Answer 5

Originally referred to as the exacerbation cycle (Beck, 1976)

the interaction of factors loops back to perpetuate and reinforce the problem

A person creates self-fulfilling prophecies that then maintain the distorted thinking and dysfunctional behaviour

Identifying and breaking unhelpful circles for individuals is part of the cognitive behavioural treatment

Question 6

what are automatic thoughts

Answer 6

many thoughts we have are not conscious

Question 7

automatic thoughts can combine with

Answer 7

schemas we develop and can develop to cognitive biases

Question 8

what is the clinical interview

Answer 8

Clinical interview in a CBA context is a “focused conversation”.
It is the way that a psychologist will abstract info in order to help them diagnose and plan treatment for the individual client

Question 9

what is the assessment

Answer 9

The first part of the aim to “diagnose and plan treatment”

Aim is to develop a shared understanding of the problems(s) - taking into account the specific interaction of the four elements that relate to that problem

Question 10

how is the assessment done?

Answer 10

Detailed and specific questioning around the problem i.e., Socrates questioning

First real point to introduce the CBA to the patient

May be the first time the patient has thought about the problem in relation to the thoughts, emotions behaviours and physical sensations associated with it

Question 11

assessment tools

Answer 11

patients may be asked to complete questionnaires, diaries or record forms

Question 12

what is formualtion

Answer 12

It refers to an understanding of the patients identified problem and of factors that have contributed to, and/or are maintaining the problem

Question 13

2 common types of formulation diagrams are

Answer 13

the vicious cycle and the downward spiral

Question 14

what is the downward spiral formulation

Answer 14

illustrating more of a domino effect - i.e., one thing leads to another

Question 15

what happens after the formulation

Answer 15

come up with an intervention plan to bring about change
setting goals for the individual

Question 16

4 reasons why cognitive behavioural treatments may not work

Answer 16

client - therapist relationship
client motivation
manualised approaches
treatment length and form