The Cognitive Approach - CBT Flashcards
If the way we process and interpret environmental information is distorted, we will…
if the way we process and interpret environmental information is distorted, we will begin to develop inaccurate beliefs about ourselves and others
What is the goal of cognitive behavioural therapy?
to replace the distorted internal mental processes with a more realistic, accurate way of thinking
What is the role of schemas in mental health?
- we don’t just construct schemas about other people and the external world around us
- we also construct them about OURSELVES
What did Aaron Beck propose?
Aaron Beck proposed that depressed people possess negative self-schemas, which may come from negative experiences
- eg criticism from parents, peers, or even teachers
What do negative self-schemas cause?
negative self-schemas cause us to interpret ourselves, the world around us and other people in a negative way: THE NEGATIVE TRIAD
What is the negative triad?
- negative views about the world (‘everyone is against me because I’m worthless’)
LEADS TO - negative views about oneself (‘I’m worthless and inadequate’)
AND - negative views about the future (‘I’ll never be good at anything’)
these 2 link to each other too
For people with depression, these thoughts have become…
They become the normal way of…
This leads to…
- for people with depression, these thoughts have become HABITUAL and occur AUTOMATICALLY
- they become the normal way of thinking and more often than not, a person doesn’t even realise they are thinking in this way
- this leads to feelings of low self-esteem, sadness and other symptoms of depression
What does the cognitive approach generally assume?
generally, the cognitive approach assumes that thoughts cause behaviour
What do disorders such as depression and anxiety stem from?
disorders such as depression and anxiety stem from ‘faulty’ or distorted processes and structures
What is the overall aim of CBT?
the overall aim of CBT is to change the way we feel, by changing the way we think
What does CBT combine?
CBT combines both cognitive and behavioural techniques in order to help clients with depression, anxiety etc.
How does the cognitive part of CBT work?
the cognitive part works with clients to firstly identify when they’re having negative thoughts and what type of negative thoughts they are having
How does the behavioural part of CBT work?
the behavioural element encourages the client to engage in reality testing their thoughts either as a role play during the session or as homework
What are some techniques that are used in CBT?
- dysfunctional thought diary
- cognitive restructuring
- pleasant activity scheduling
