CBT

• what is CBT?

  CBT intends to replace disordered delusional thought processes with rational, constructive thoughts that are in line with reality
• CBT as applied to schizophrenia typically involves the therapist aiming to help the client distinguish what is real and what is fantasy. eg. by helping them to understand that voices in their head are not real (positive symptom) and by putting routines and strategies in place to live life productively (to avoid avolition, a negative symptom)
• ABC model

  • the patient gives their explanation of the activating event (A) eg. people talking in a group, this is percieved incorrectly by sidtorted beliefs (B) eg. they are talking about me, leading to consequences of schixophrenic symptoms (C) eg. paranoia. Therapist may normalise symptoms in order to reduce feelings of alienation. The patients own beliefs which are actually the cause of C, can then gently be rationalised and disputed (D) and changed into more effective beliefs (E) in line with reality.
• after gentle questioning there is also homework assignments to test faulty beliefs