Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) involves both cognitive and behavioural elements.
• The cognitive element of CBT aims to identify irrational and negative thoughts, which lead to depression.
• In CBT the aim is to replace these negative thoughts with more positive ones.
• The behavioural element of CBT encourages patients to test their beliefs through behavioural experiments and homework.
• There are various components to CBT including; initial assessment, goal setting, identifying negative/irrational thoughts and challenging these and homework.
• There are two different strands of CBT based on Beck’s theory and Ellis’ ABC model.
• All CBT starts with an initial assessment, in which the patient and therapist identify the patient’s problems.
• The patient and therapist agree on a set of goals, and plan of action to achieve these goals.
• Using Beck's approach the therapist will help the patient to identify negative thoughts in relation to themselves, their world and their future.
• In Ellis' approach the therapist will dispute the patient’s irrational beliefs, to replace their irrational beliefs with effective beliefs and attitudes.
• Ellis added the D and E to his ABC model.
• Ellis added the D for dispute to his ABC model.
• Ellis added E for effect to his ABC model.
• In CBT following a session, the therapist may set their patient homework.