Therapy

• Beck's Cognitive Therapy


  One way that faulty processing can be challenged is through thought catching during the use of 'homework' such as a dysfunctional thought diary
• Dysfunctional thought diary


  1. Record events leading up to unpleasant/irrational thinking

  2. Rate automatic thoughts in terms of level of belief that they are true

  3. Write a rational response to the thought

  4. Re-rate beliefs in initial thinking
• Cognitive restructuring


  1. Client is encouraged to challenge their own thinking by questioning dysfunctional automatic thoughts
• Behavioural activation


  Ensure the client participates in activities they previously enjoyed, whilst dealing with any cognitive obstacles, so that schemas are re-categorised
• CBT effectiveness


  • After attending 16-20 sessions, it is said to be the most successful of all therapies
  • Reduced the number of suicidal thoughts in depressed teenagers by 24%
  • Therapist competence can have a direct impact on success (by approximately 15%)
  • Most effective with motivated individuals with low levels of actual stress - therefore CBT might be limited in its usefulness as a stand-alone treatment, as it is more effective when combined with chemotherapy
• If the treatment is ineffective it does not cause physical harm (risk of pain) - no side effects arise (unlike chemo or aversion therapy etc.)
• Clients usually consent and have the right to withdraw
• At the beginning of treatment the client might face elevated levels of psychological harm (risks of stress and anxiety or humiliation) whilst explaining their dysfunctional automatic thoughts