The Course of Therapy - Summary

Question 1

What is the structure of CBT?

Answer 1

1. Between 6- 15 sessions
2. Length of session. - 60 min
3. First 2-3 sessions - Assessment - initial formulation - developing working alliance - encouraging client to become active and collaborative participant
   4 - Middle sessions - Trying to tackle client’s problems
4. Final sessions - drawing a plan of what to do if a problem develops.

Question 2

What are the main components for each session?

Answer 2

1. Agenda setting
2. Self-monitoring
3. Dealing with setbacks
4. Updating the formulation
5. Summaries for the client and therapist

Question 3

Why is agenda setting important?

Answer 3

You can:
Review events since previous session
Review of previous session
Assessment of mood
Review of homework
Work on current topics (about 35 min)
Homework assignment
Feedback on session

Question 4

What are the difficulties with agenda setting?

Answer 4

1. Too vague
2. Not prioritising
3. Too full
4. No client input in setting it
5. Diverting from agenda
6. Misunderstanding the client
7. Beginning the session while setting the agenda
8. Hopping around from topic to topic

Question 5

What are the main characteristics of Goals?

Answer 5

1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Achievable
4. Reasonable
5. Time-framed

Question 6

When are clients more likely to do Homework?

Answer 6

1. Emerges from the session
2. Is relevant
3. is not too burdensome
4. is planned in detail with difficulties discussed
5. Cannot be ‘failed’
6. is written down
7. is reviewed in detail

Question 7

“Poor Motivation” can be the result of:

Answer 7

1. Being too early to change
2. Inaccurate expectations of treatment
3. Lack of understanding / acceptance of formulation
4. Hepelessness
5. Differing health beliefs
6. Cons of change outweighing pros