Treating Depression

Question 1

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Answer 1

CBT is an umbrella term used for a wide range of talking therapies
Main purpose is to change the way a person thinks
Rationale behind it is that by changing the way incoming information in processed depressive feelings and behaviour can also be changed
Uses Cognitive reframing in order to replace irrational thoughts with more rational ones

Question 2

CBT Two Elements

Answer 2

The Cognitive Element
Identifying the irrational thinking processes that are affecting the client. Done through questioning and getting client to give example of events. Therapist develops idea about what the clients irrational beliefs are
The Behavioural Element
Involves setting homework for the client to do
Give client task that help them challenge their own irrational beliefs

Question 3

REBT

Answer 3

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy uses the ABC Model
Ellis believed that people are not disturbed by things but rather by the view of things
Involves reframing - Challenging negative thoughts by reinterpreting the ABC in a more positive way
D- Disputation to challenge irrational beliefs
E- Effective new beliefs replace the irrational ones

Question 4

The Three Basic “Must”

Answer 4

Ellis described the 3 basic must
- I must do well - Leads to anxiety, depression
- Other people must treat me considerately - Leads to rage and act of violence
- I must get what I want - Leads to self pity
Ellis argues that the demanding nature of these belief causes problems. Adopting less demanding beliefs lead to healthier emotions

Question 5

Encouraging Acceptance

Answer 5

REBT therapist strive to help their clients develop three types of acceptance
Unconditioned self-acceptance
- There is no reason why i mist not have flaws
Unconditional other-acceptance
- Other people will treat me unfairly from time to time
Unconditional life-acceptance
- Life doesn’t always work out the way that id like to

Question 6

Evaluation of CBT

Answer 6

T- Less time consuming than some psychological therapies but not as fast acting as biological
I- Appropriate for depression. Not suitable for individual with severe depression
M- Very expensive. Requires qualified psychologist
E/S- Aims for equal relationship between client and therapist. Client is given control over their own condition. Very empowering
W- Research evidence e.g. Lincoln et al. Identify stroke victim with clinical depression using CBT. Results in reduced symptoms. Suggest CBT is suitable for specific group of depressive
R- Relapse should not occur, though follow up sessions may be required every few months