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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Described as a Sticking Plaster

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been described as a ‘sticking plaster ' for the problems that people may bring to counselling (Observer, 19/02/06). With reference to the literature, critically evaluate the arguments for and against this view. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a combination of two kinds of therapy; cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy (Bush, 2005). It has been shown to have a positive impact on a wide range of mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, insomnia and panic attacks as well as more recently psychosis (schizophrenia). However, whether or not CBT actually solves the issue at hand or simply covers it up, as a "sticking plaster" (Martin & Helmore, 2006) has recently been a topic of …show more content…

Gloaguen (1998) used meta-analysis to compare the use of CBT and behavioural therapy in treating patients with depression. The study was controlled for using waiting list and placebo controls. CBT was found to be superior when compared to the controls, and also when compared to behavioural therapy, although most of the behavioural therapy trials analysed were uncontrolled. This aside, when compared to control groups CBT does have an advantage over no treatment, which is evidence of the concept that it is better than nothing for individuals suffering from depression as it can improve their quality of life. A recent trial (DeRubeis et al., 2005) found antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to be equally as effective in the treatment of individuals with moderate to severe as CBT. Although both treatments can be seen as equally effective, the use of CBT does not require people to ingest drugs, so if both are equally as effective the CBT would be the clear choice for individuals with depression. The evidence for the area of depression and the usefulness of CBT is mixed, in spite of this, it 's merits are clearly obvious. Another area where CBT is used is in the treatment of individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The use of CBT in this are has been more successful with not only alleviating the symptoms of

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