Lesson 10: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Question 1

Introduction of CBT

Answer 1

• To challenge and restructure negative ways of thinking, turning them positive
• CBT is used on individual patients and in small groups
• CBT allows the patient to have some control in their thinking
• It focuses on present experiences
• Requires a highly trained therapist

Question 2

What happens in CBT?

Answer 2

• Patients are encouraged to identify their negative thoughts (thought catching)
• Patients are encouraged to challenge their negative thoughts and test them
• The patient needs to act like a scientist
• Patients need to keep a record of events to prove the existence of positive events
• Reinforcement of positive thoughts is encouraged
• Patients need to attend weekly sessions to overcome negative thinking

Question 3

Evaluation of CBT (+)

Answer 3

• Effective for patients w/ mild depression
• Widely respected and supported (research) because it is cost effective and economical
• Usually gets to the root cause/underlying issue/event of depression. It can cure depression, not just mask the symptoms
• Long term cure for depression, has lasting positive outcomes and less chance to suffer a relapse. They are unlikely to return to the NHS for more help.

Question 4

Evaluation for CBT (-)

Answer 4

• Most common treatment for depression is drugs

- Drugs are less effort, maybe should be used alongside CBT for more effectiveness

Question 5

What therapy was proposed by Ellis?

Answer 5

Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (1975)

Question 6

Introduction of REBT

Answer 6

• Believed that’s irrational thoughts cause negative self statements
• Aim is to make patients think in a more rational and positive manner
• Aim is to challenge patients thinking and show them how irrational their thoughts are
• Patients are told to practise positive and optimistic thinking
• REBT involves challenging negative thoughts by reinterpreting the ABC model
• Patients get homework which is vital for testing irrational beliefs in the real world, and replacing them with rational beliefs
• Behavioural Activation: CBT encourages clients to beco:e more active and engage in pleasurable activities

Question 7

What does DEF stand for?

Answer 7

D: Disputing Irrational Thoughts and Behaviours
- Logical Disputing: self defeating beliefs do not follow logically from the information ‘does this thinking make sense’
- Empirical Disputing: self defeating beliefs may not be consistent with reality ‘is there any proof of this thinking’
E: Effects of Disputing and effective attitude to life
- Can change self defeating beliefs into more rational beliefs
- Allows rational interpretations of events
F: Feelings/Emotions
- Patient will begin to think in a more positive and rational way and will feel better

Question 8

Evaluation of REBT (+)

Answer 8

• Effective way to treat depressive stroke victims, REBT is a suitable treatment for specific groups of people
• David (2000) compared 170 depressed patients who had 14 weeks of REBT and compared them to patients who took the drug fluoxetine. 6 months after, they found that REBT was better for the long term

Question 9

Evaluation of REBT (-)

Answer 9

• Unclear if distorted thinking is the cause of depression. If it is a symptom then REBT isn’t tackling the cause of depression, and it might return in the future
• REBT is dependent on the client being articulate. If the patient can not communicate with the therapist, this is not an effective therapy. They must resort to drugs
• The effectiveness depends on the skill and expertise of the therapist. The therapist needs to build a good rapport with the client so that REBT can be successful