Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Question 1

What is CBT?

Answer 1

It centralises around identifying and challenging negative and irrational thoughts and beliefs, and then working to change them and put more effective behavioural and cognitive responses in place

Question 2

What is one method in which negative or irrational thoughts and beliefs are challenged in CBT?

Answer 2

• The therapist sets ’homework’, which allows the client to test the reality of their thoughts and beliefs
• This provides the therapist with counter evidence when the client next expresses the thought or belief (e.g. “I don’t enjoy anything”)

Question 3

How does CBT begin?

Answer 3

• With an assessment via which the client and therapist work together to identify the client’s issues and jointly identify goals for the therapy session
• They then put together a plan to achieve them

Question 4

What does Ellis’s version of CBT include?

Answer 4

The therapy challenging the client’s negative or irrational beliefs or thoughts via a vigorous argument

Question 5

What study suggests the effectiveness of CBT?

Answer 5

• March et al, who examined 327 adolescents with depression and compared the effectiveness of CBT to antidepressants in treating depression
• After 6 months, 81% of both groups had significantly improved, showing that CBT is just as effective as antidepressants

Question 6

Why could CBT be considered a long-term treatment?

Answer 6

It equips clients with the mental skills and tools to cope and challenge their own beliefs and thoughts should they reoccur

Question 7

What study suggests CBT isn’t a long-term treatment?

Answer 7

Ali’s longitudinal study, which found that 42% relapsed within 6 months, and 53% relapsed within 1 year

Question 8

Who many CBT not be suitable for?

Answer 8

Those with severe depression