Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT has a number of strengths; first beginning with its capacity to yield empirical results as to its effectiveness. Countless studies have shown CBT to be the most effective treatment for anxiety and depression (e.g., Oei & McAlinden, 2014; Tolin, 2010); this is likely the result of a number of factors. CBT is a collaborative, educational, time-limited model that demystifies the therapy process; changes are made with clients, not to clients, the strategies learned equip clients to better navigate current and future difficulties, and the setting of goals allows clients to clearly see their progress (Corey, 2013; Skinner & Wrycraft, 2014). An additional strength of CBT for anxiety and depression is its applicability to both individuals and groups; group CBT has a number of auxiliary benefits including, vicarious learning, a sense of cohesiveness that can increase motivation, social interaction and the opportunity to help others (Oei & McAlinden, 2014).

Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as successful as medicine in treating many types of depression and other mental health disorders it can be completed in a relatively short time compared with other talking therapies and because it is highly structured, CBT can be provided in a number of different formats such as through computer programs, groups and self-help books. Some research suggests that CBT may be better than antidepressants at preventing the return of depression. It is thought to be one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression.

The roots of the Cognitive-Behavioral Theory lie in the broadening of behavior therapy and has undoubtedly produced more empirical research than any other model of psychotherapy (Datillio, 2000a). Cognitive-Behavior theory is a theory based on the idea that a person’s perspective is what guides the development and the preservation of their emotional and behavioral responses to situations within their lives as well as a plethora of studies that tested learning theories. The Cognitive-Behavior therapy also called CBT, relies on the belief that the person’s perspective also stunts or expedites the emotional and behavioral adaptation to situations as well. This “belief” means that what you or I think governs how we respond to what goes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the helpfulness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy in patients with anxiety disorders. The treatment required participants to be highly motivated and willing to endure unpleasant emotional states. The treatment encouraged participants to challenge long standing maladaptive beliefs. The researchers used archival data of 48 participants who completed clinical trials at University training clinic. They recruited participants by advertising in local newspapers and by obtaining referrals from mental health professionals. Participants were

If I were to be a therapist administering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I would prefer to use it on a patient that is suffering from depression or anxiety. This is due to the fact that it is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where anxiety and depression is the main problem. Depression is most commonly defined as a mood disorder that may cause persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Which is primarily involved with the way a person thinks which leads to a particular way that person will then act. Therefore, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) would be most effective due to the fact that it’s goal is the change the way a person thinks. Also a person with depression would benefit most from developing a different perspective on life, one that is more pleasant and this therapy does just that.

CBT therapists use the first session or two to complete a problem analysis, perform a detailed assessment and create a case formulation with the client. The therapist seeks to identify: 1) the behaviors, emotions, and thoughts which make the situation a problem, 2) predisposing factors, often going back to childhood and adolescents, 3) precipitants, 4) protective factors, 5) triggers, 6) symptoms, and 7) maintenance cycles (O’Connell, 2012). This starts the session out with a very problem-focused discussion encouraging growth of the problem, with goal setting often not starting until the second

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating as well as by self-induced vomiting and/or laxative abuse (Mitchell, 1986). Episodes of overeating typically alternate with attempts to diet, although the eating habits of bulimics and their methods of weight control vary (Fairburn et al., 1986). The majority of bulimics have a body weight within the normal range for their height, build, and age, and yet possess intense and prominent concerns about their shape and weight (Fairburn et al., 1986). Individuals with bulimia nervosa are aware that they have an eating problem, and therefore are often eager to receive help. The most common approach to

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, problem-centered therapy that is used to address psychopathology within the individual (Beck, 1995). This model of therapy is used to address issues of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relational problems, and drug abuse, and can be utilized when working with individuals, as well as within group and family modalities. The core aspects of this therapy include collaboration and participation by the client, a strong alliance between therapist and client, and an initial focus on current problems and functioning (Beck, 1995). The theory of CBT emphasizes the relationship between the individual’s thoughts feelings and behaviors, which is seen as being the underlying cause of

The main goal of CBT is to help individuals and families cope with their problems by changing their maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns and improve their moods (Blackburn et al, 1981). Intervention is driven by working hypotheses (formulations) developed jointly by patient, his/her family and therapist from the assessment information. Change is brought about by a variety of possible interventions, including the practice of new behaviors, analysis of faulty thinking patterns, and learning more adaptive and rational self-talk skills. (Hawton, Salkovskis, Kirk, and Clark, 1989).

“The goal of CBT is to teach clients how to separate the evaluation of their behaviour from the evaluation of themselves and how to accept themselves in spite of imperfections” (Corey, 2009, p. 279). In CBT the clients are expected to change their current behaviour (normally full of automatic thoughts) to a more rational way of thinking. The clinician will challenge the client’s behaviour in order for the client to understand his or her behaviour and get alternatives to change his/her behaviour. When using CBT, the client’s behaviour changes when they are aware of the abnormal behaviour. This approach allows the client to focus on improving his/her wellbeing. This enhances the client’s awareness of an existing issue and that changes are necessary. The client will develop new coping skills to deal with the situation and develop a new way of thinking from negative (automatic thoughts) to positive (more realistic thoughts). Initially the client may not recognise that a problem exists, but through this process will get

CBT is an integrated approach using various combinations of cognitive and behavioral modification interventions and techniques (Myers, 2005). The aim is to change maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaving that impact clients in the present (Weiten et al., 2009). From a cognitive behavioral perspective Jane would be diagnosed as having faulty thinking and dysfunctional behavioral issues suffering from depression, and anxiety in the form of Agoraphobia (Weiten et al., 2009).

Depression in late life is very common, particularly in older adults who are moving in to a different phase of their lives. They may experience a loss of a job, death of a spouse, empty nest, or a move that has taken them away from their social network. Geriatric depression is expensive for everyone involved, from the seniors who suffer not only mentally but physically from its effects to the increased use of health services such as emergency room visits. Suicide is also a consequence of depression in seniors. Sometimes depression is not diagnosed properly because its physical symptoms can mimic other illnesses. Many women, ages 55 and up, experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and do not know what to do now that they are in this new stage in their life; not working etc. Is the women’s group effective in helping members overcome feelings of depression and isolation?

This essay is intended to evaluate one therapeutic intervention or theory that may be used in Family therapy. The theory being examined is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or for short CBT. The essay will begin with defining CBT and discussing the underlying principles, techniques and concepts of the approach. Some practical examples and scenarios of utilizing CBT will then be explored. Then the essay will proceed to a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic intervention. Finally a conclusion regarding employing such techniques will be made.

Background of theory-Irvin Yalom identified the concerns embedded in our existence as death, isolation, freedom, and emptiness. Yalom regarded the therapist as the “fellow traveler” – thus, someone who accompanies, but does not necessarily directly interferes with progress. Yalom believed that group therapy was effective because people exist in others’ presence.

Unlike interpersonal psychotherapy, with the use of medication, CBT attains several forms of intervention and models that can be used for certain situations. These forms are tailored not only to the affected patient but also toward the patient 's family. There is therapy for the perfect, overprotective, and chaotic family. These forms all have specifics that set their therapeutic sessions apart, but are similar in that they all begin with a technique called joining. Joining is basically an establishment of alliance between the therapist and the family (Killian). Therapists are advised to discover how the family members feel toward the problem in this situation. A way of ensuring family involvement would be to set specific guidelines about the affect patient 's behavior and the family 's reactions toward the behavior. For example, a therapist may initiate a plan in which the patient must be responsible for replacing the family food in which he/she binges on. This activity will enhance the removal of the rest of the family to be in constant fear for the patient; it will also allow the patient to begin to regain control of one aspect of his/her life. Common goals within this type of family include regulation of emotional availability between the parent(s) and the bulimic patient, facilitation of direct communication, and negotiation of conflict and its resolution (Killian). Besides interventions, there are also models that can be used to deal