CBT evaluation

• How effective is CBT?

  1. Success may be due to patient-therapist relationships.
  2. Research shows little difference between CBT and other psychotherapy (talking is what matters?).
  3. Some patients may want to explore the past, which CBT does not.
  4. Over emphasising cognition (all focus on the client, not situations).
• Strengths of CBT

  1. Client is actively involved in their recovery.
  2. CBT is not physically invasive.
  3. Client learns to help themselves, and can use the skills in new situations.
  4. Particularly effective when combined with drug treatment.
• Weaknesses of CBT

  1. Clients can become dependent on their therapist.
  2. CBT is not effective for people who are resistant to change.
  3. CBT is not a quick fix. A therapist is like a personal trainer that advises and encourages- but cannot 'do' it for the client.