More About Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
History
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an action-oriented form of counseling & psychotherapy. There are a number of different types of CBT, including Beck's Cognitive Therapy (now called Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Cognitive Therapy was developed by Aaron Beck, M.D. in the 1960's. REBT, was the first form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and was developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. in 1955. CBT is one of the most popular, effective, and researched forms of psychotherapy.
Basic principles in CBT
In CBT we look at how one's thoughts and beliefs influence mood and behaviors. Clients are helped to identify, examine, and restructure certain problematic thoughts and beliefs through specific techniques and this in turn helps improve their mood and behaviors. We also work with clients to help them change certain behaviors that will in turn make positive changes in their mood and beliefs. Even though a lot of focus is on thoughts and behaviors, we also look at how environment, beliefs, emotions, behaviors, and physical well being all interact with one another.
Present focused
CBT focuses on present issues and problems. Even though we recognize that the past is important in influencing how we think, act, and feel today, most of the therapy is focused on current problems. We do assess and look at how one's past influences them, but this information is used in looking at how it relates to clients' current problems.
What to expect in CBT
CBT is an active and directive form of psychotherapy. Both the psychotherapist and client actively work together to help the client identify and change self-defeating beliefs and behaviors. Clients are often given assignments to work on during the week that will help them to get better faster and maintain their gains. CBT is very empowering for clients in that they learn methods to gain control over their beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.
* Please see my Links page for more information on CBT
History
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an action-oriented form of counseling & psychotherapy. There are a number of different types of CBT, including Beck's Cognitive Therapy (now called Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Cognitive Therapy was developed by Aaron Beck, M.D. in the 1960's. REBT, was the first form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and was developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. in 1955. CBT is one of the most popular, effective, and researched forms of psychotherapy.
Basic principles in CBT
In CBT we look at how one's thoughts and beliefs influence mood and behaviors. Clients are helped to identify, examine, and restructure certain problematic thoughts and beliefs through specific techniques and this in turn helps improve their mood and behaviors. We also work with clients to help them change certain behaviors that will in turn make positive changes in their mood and beliefs. Even though a lot of focus is on thoughts and behaviors, we also look at how environment, beliefs, emotions, behaviors, and physical well being all interact with one another.
Present focused
CBT focuses on present issues and problems. Even though we recognize that the past is important in influencing how we think, act, and feel today, most of the therapy is focused on current problems. We do assess and look at how one's past influences them, but this information is used in looking at how it relates to clients' current problems.
What to expect in CBT
CBT is an active and directive form of psychotherapy. Both the psychotherapist and client actively work together to help the client identify and change self-defeating beliefs and behaviors. Clients are often given assignments to work on during the week that will help them to get better faster and maintain their gains. CBT is very empowering for clients in that they learn methods to gain control over their beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.
* Please see my Links page for more information on CBT