The cognitive approach to treating depression

• CBT has both cognitive and behavioural aspects.

  • Cognitive element = dysfunctional thinking, unwanted thoughts

  • Behavioural element= behaviour in response to those thoughts.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy


  Therapy that aims to challenging irrational thoughts and turn then into rational ones
• REBT (Rational emotional behaviour therapy)


  Therapy developed by Ellis that aims to challenging irrational thoughts and turn then into rational ones
• ABCDEF model


  1. A - Activating event

  2. B - Beliefs

  3. C - Consequences

  4. D - Disputing

  5. E - Effects of disputing

  6. F - Feelings
• Effective disputing


  • Changes self-defeating beliefs into more rational beliefs
• Types of disputing


  • Logical disputing
  • Empirical disputing
  • Pragmatic disputing
• Homework assignments


  Given to clients to test irrational beliefs against reality and put new rational beliefs into practice
• Behavioural Activation


  Encourages clients to be more active and engage in pleasurable activities to act as an antidote to depression
• Unconditional positive regard


  Convincing the client that they are a valuable human being so they are more likely to try and change their beliefs and behaviour