Cognitive theory has become perhaps the most fundamental psychological model in the mental health field. It is the foundation of cognitive therapy (CT), a “highly active, directive, structured treatment, geared toward the client’s acquisition of psychological skills in a time-effective manner” (Newman & Ratto, 1999, p. 97). Counselors should have a good grasp of cognitive theory and the evidence-based interventions used in CT in order to recognize clients that are best suited for this modality.
Cognitive theory is a therapeutic approach taken with a certain view of the human personality. The personality is regarded as a system of beliefs which generate automatic thoughts and, in turn, behavioral responses to events (Grand Canyon University …show more content…
The parties work together in setting goals and share the responsibility for achieving change results. A strong therapeutic alliance based on mutual trust and honesty is crucial for making an accurate evaluation of the client’s presenting problems in the light of cognitive theory. This is accomplished through an initial series of interviews and questionnaires. Cognitive therapy is versatile. It has been proven effective in treating a broad range of mental and personality disorders such as depression, general anxiety disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and many others (Beck, Davis, & Freeman, 2003). Indeed, CT has arguably has specialized interventions for more psychological disorders than any other approach (Sharf, …show more content…
A three-question technique will challenge the client to honestly examine the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting his or her beliefs, explore different ways of interpreting situations, and consider the implications of those beliefs if they are true. Based on how the client’s case is conceptualized, the counselor can utilize appropriate cognitive intervention techniques and “transference” reactions to help the client recognize and arrest automatic thoughts based on cognitive distortions, understand how they have perpetuated his or her use of substances, and replace those thoughts with alternative thinking patterns. Progress can be tracked through the remainder of treatment by assigning the client self-monitoring and thought-sampling homework assignments. Dialogues and homework are geared toward illustrating the client’s fallacious beliefs about substance use. Some of the most effective interventions in the treatment of SUD are those designed to reinterpret, modify, or restructure the cognitive schema. Socratic questioning to challenge absolutes and all-or-nothing thinking, the
Cognitive theory is a therapeutic approach taken with a certain view of the human personality. The personality is regarded as a system of beliefs which generate automatic thoughts and, in turn, behavioral responses to events (Grand Canyon University …show more content…
The parties work together in setting goals and share the responsibility for achieving change results. A strong therapeutic alliance based on mutual trust and honesty is crucial for making an accurate evaluation of the client’s presenting problems in the light of cognitive theory. This is accomplished through an initial series of interviews and questionnaires. Cognitive therapy is versatile. It has been proven effective in treating a broad range of mental and personality disorders such as depression, general anxiety disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and many others (Beck, Davis, & Freeman, 2003). Indeed, CT has arguably has specialized interventions for more psychological disorders than any other approach (Sharf, …show more content…
A three-question technique will challenge the client to honestly examine the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting his or her beliefs, explore different ways of interpreting situations, and consider the implications of those beliefs if they are true. Based on how the client’s case is conceptualized, the counselor can utilize appropriate cognitive intervention techniques and “transference” reactions to help the client recognize and arrest automatic thoughts based on cognitive distortions, understand how they have perpetuated his or her use of substances, and replace those thoughts with alternative thinking patterns. Progress can be tracked through the remainder of treatment by assigning the client self-monitoring and thought-sampling homework assignments. Dialogues and homework are geared toward illustrating the client’s fallacious beliefs about substance use. Some of the most effective interventions in the treatment of SUD are those designed to reinterpret, modify, or restructure the cognitive schema. Socratic questioning to challenge absolutes and all-or-nothing thinking, the