Cognitive Therapy

Question 1

What therapy is used within the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Question 2

What is the first component of CBT?

Answer 2

Dysfunctional thought diary

Question 3

How is a dysfunctional thought diary used at home?

Answer 3

Clients must keep a record of their dysfunctional thoughts and events that lead to a negative emotional response

Question 4

How is a dysfunctional thought diary used in therapy sessions?

Answer 4

They must review the thoughts recorded and rate how much they believe these thoughts to be true
After, clients must write a rational response and rate their belief of this
The client will re-rate their original thought

Question 5

What is the second component of CBT?

Answer 5

Cognitive restructuring

Question 6

What is cognitive restructuring

Answer 6

Identifying and changing the clients negative thought processes known as ‘therapy in therapy’

Question 7

Describe the process of cognitive restructuring?

Answer 7

Highlight false belief
Avoid catastrophising automatic negative thought
Results in rational response

Question 8

What is the third component of CBT?

Answer 8

Pleasant activity scheduling

Question 9

Describe the process of pleasant activity scheduling?

Answer 9

Clients plan a pleasant activity for themselves over a period of time
The activity should make them feel positive
The client then keeps a record of these activities and how they make them feel

Question 10

What are some examples of activities used in of pleasant activity scheduling?

Answer 10

Walking
Reading
Shopping

Question 11

Apply the assumption internal mental processes to CBT.

Answer 11

Assumption believes mental disorders are caused by maladaptive thoughts
CBT targets internal mental processes through cognitive restructuring and use evidence to show thoughts are irrational

Question 12

Apply the assumption schemas to CBT.

Answer 12

Schemas lead to developed negative thoughts about ones self, the world etc.
CBT challenges negative pre-existing thoughts (schemas)

Question 13

Apply the assumption computer analogy to CBT.

Answer 13

Computer analogy - humas store information like a computer and CBT aims to challenge irrational thoughts

Question 14

What is the research support to show the effectiveness of CBT?

Answer 14

Cahill et al (2003) - 71% of patients who completed CBT experienced noticed a significant reduction in symptoms

Question 15

How can therapist competence be used to argue the ineffectiveness of CBT?

Answer 15

CBT heavily relies on the therapists skills to structure sessions, set effective homework tasks and relaxation techniques and if a therapist is incapable of these, the therapy will not be as effective for the patient

Question 16

How can individual differences be used to argue the ineffectiveness of CBT?

Answer 16

CBT may be suited to some patients more than others therefore some may not experience the benefits and it is not effective for all

Question 17

How can empowerment be used to argue the effectiveness of CBT?

Answer 17

CBT encourages the patient to feel empowered and independent within the therapy whilst having full autonomy of their progress and sessions therefore improves effectiveness

Question 18

How can patient blame be used to argue that CBT is unethical?

Answer 18

Giving some patients full responsibility for their progress and sessions within the therapy may place a lot of pressure on them and lead them to a worsened condition and believe they are to blame for their disorder

Question 19

How can equal access to therapy be used to argue that CBT is unethical?

Answer 19

1 in 10 people are not offered psychological therapies and support after being assessed for disorders which may put people off wanting to seek help