Which of the following is a treatment method in which clinicians focus on changing both maladaptive thoughts and maladaptive behaviors?
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the relationship among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; targets current problems and symptoms; and focuses on changing patterns of behaviors, thoughts and feelings that lead to difficulties in functioning. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the
relationship among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and notes how changes in any one domain can improve functioning in the other domains. For example, altering a person’s unhelpful thinking can lead to healthier behaviors and improved emotion regulation. CBT targets current problems and symptoms and is typically delivered over 12-16 sessions in either individual or group format. This treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD. Several theories specific to trauma explain how CBT can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of PTSD. For example, emotional processing theory (Rauch & Foa, 2006) suggests that those who have experienced a traumatic event can develop associations among objectively safe reminders of the event (e.g., news stories, situations, people), meaning (e.g., the world is dangerous) and responses (e.g., fear, numbing of feelings). Changing these associations
that lead to unhealthy functioning is the core of emotional processing. Social cognitive theory (Benight & Bandura, 2004) suggests that those who try to incorporate the experience of trauma into existing beliefs about oneself, others, and the world often wind up with unhelpful understandings of their experience and perceptions of control of self or the environment (i.e., coping self-efficacy). For instance, if someone believes that bad things happen to bad
people, being raped confirms that one is bad, not that one was unjustly violated. Understanding these theories helps the therapist more effectively use cognitive behavioral treatment strategies. Therapists use a variety of techniques to aid patients in reducing symptoms and improving functioning. Therapists employing CBT may encourage patients to re-evaluate their thinking patterns and assumptions in order to identify unhelpful
patterns (often termed “distortions”) in thoughts, such as overgeneralizing bad outcomes, negative thinking that diminishes positive thinking, and always expecting catastrophic outcomes, to more balanced and effective thinking patterns. These are intended to help the person reconceptualize their understanding of traumatic experiences, as well as their understanding of themselves and their ability to cope. Exposure to the trauma narrative, as well as reminders of the trauma or
emotions associated with the trauma, are often used to help the patient reduce avoidance and maladaptive associations with the trauma. Note, this exposure is done in a controlled way, and planned collaboratively by the provider and patient so the patient chooses what they do. The goal is to return a sense of control, self-confidence, and predictability to the patient, and reduce escape and avoidance behaviors. Education about how trauma can affect the person is quite common as is
instruction in various methods to facilitate relaxation. Managing stress and planning for potential crises can also be important components of CBT treatment. The provider, with the patient, has some latitude in selecting which elements of cognitive behavioral therapy are likely to be most effective with any particular individual. For Patients & FamiliesReferences & ResourcesDate created: March 2017 Strongly RecommendedOther TreatmentsWhat Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change the destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on their behavior and emotions.
CBT DefinitionCognitive behavioral therapy is defined as "psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy with behavior therapy by identifying faulty or maladaptive patterns of thinking, emotional response, or behavior and substituting them with desirable patterns of thinking, emotional response, or behavior." Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen our emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These spontaneous negative thoughts also have a detrimental influence on our mood. Through CBT, faulty thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more objective, realistic thoughts. Everything You Need to Know About CBTTypes of Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCBT encompasses a range of techniques and approaches that address our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These can range from structured psychotherapies to self-help practices. Some of the specific types of therapeutic approaches that involve cognitive behavioral therapy include:
While each type of cognitive behavioral therapy takes a different approach, all work to address the underlying thought patterns that contribute to psychological distress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy TechniquesCBT is about more than identifying thought patterns. It uses a wide range of strategies to help people overcome these patterns. Here are just a few examples of techniques used in cognitive behavioral therapy. Identifying Negative ThoughtsIt is important to learn what thoughts, feelings, and situations are contributing to maladaptive behaviors. This process can be difficult, however, especially for people who struggle with introspection. But taking the time to identify these thoughts can also lead to self-discovery and provide insights that are essential to the treatment process. Practicing New SkillsIn cognitive behavioral therapy, people are often taught new skills that can be used in real-world situations. For example, someone with a substance use disorder might practice new coping skills and rehearse ways to avoid or deal with social situations that could potentially trigger a relapse. Goal-SettingGoal setting can be an important step in recovery from mental illness, helping you to make changes to improve your health and life. During cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapist can help you build and strengthen your goal-setting skills. This might involve teaching you how to identify your goal or how to distinguish between short- and long-term goals. It may also include helping you set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based), with a focus on the process as much as the end outcome. Problem-SolvingLearning problem-solving skills during cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how to identify and solve problems that may arise from life stressors, both big and small. It can also help reduce the negative impact of psychological and physical illness. Problem-solving in CBT often involves five steps:
Self-MonitoringAlso known as diary work, self-monitoring is an important cognitive behavioral therapy technique. It involves tracking behaviors, symptoms, or experiences over time and sharing them with your therapist. Self-monitoring can provide your therapist with the information they need to provide the best treatment. For example, for people with eating disorders, self-monitoring may involve keeping track of eating habits, as well as any thoughts or feelings that went along with consuming a meal or snack. What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help WithCognitive behavioral therapy can be used as a short-term treatment to help individuals learn to focus on present thoughts and beliefs. CBT is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
In addition to mental health conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy has also been found to help people cope with:
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThe underlying concept behind CBT is that thoughts and feelings play a fundamental role in behavior. For example, a person who spends a lot of time thinking about plane crashes, runway accidents, and other air disasters may avoid air travel as a result. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to teach people that while they cannot control every aspect of the world around them, they can take control of how they interpret and deal with things in their environment. CBT is known for providing the following key benefits:
One of the greatest benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy is that it helps clients develop coping skills that can be useful both now and in the future. Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCBT emerged during the 1960s and originated in the work of psychiatrist Aaron Beck, who noted that certain types of thinking contributed to emotional problems. Beck labeled these "automatic negative thoughts" and developed the process of cognitive therapy. Where earlier behavior therapies had focused almost exclusively on associations, reinforcements, and punishments to modify behavior, the cognitive approach addresses how thoughts and feelings affect behaviors. Today, cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most well-studied forms of treatment. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a range of mental conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder.
CBT is one of the most researched types of therapy, in part, because treatment is focused on very specific goals and results can be measured relatively
easily. Verywell Mind's Cost of Therapy Survey, which sought to learn more about how Americans deal with the financial burdens associated with therapy, found that Americans overwhelmingly feel the benefits of therapy:
Things to Consider With Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThere are several challenges that people may face when engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy. Here are a few to consider. Change Can Be DifficultInitially, some patients suggest that while they recognize that certain thoughts are not rational or healthy, simply becoming aware of these thoughts does not make it easy to alter them. CBT Is Very StructuredCognitive behavioral therapy doesn't focus on underlying, unconscious resistance to change as much as other approaches such as psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Instead, it tends to be more structured, so it may not be suitable for people who may find structure difficult. You Must Be Willing to ChangeFor cognitive behavioral therapy to be effective, you must be ready and willing to spend time and effort analyzing your thoughts and feelings. This self-analysis can be difficult, but it is a great way to learn more about how our internal states impact our outward behavior. Progress Is Often GradualIn most cases, CBT is a gradual process that helps you take incremental steps toward behavior change. For example, someone with social anxiety might start by simply imagining anxiety-provoking social situations. Next, they may practice conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances. By progressively working toward a larger goal, the process seems less daunting and the goals easier to achieve. How to Get Started With Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment choice for a range of psychological issues. If you or someone you love might benefit from this form of therapy, consider the following steps:
What to Expect With Cognitive Behavioral TherapyIf you're new to cognitive behavioral therapy, you may have uncertainties or fears of what to expect. In many ways, the first session begins much like your first appointment with any new healthcare provider. During the first session, you'll likely spend some time filling out paperwork such as HIPAA forms (privacy forms), insurance information, medical history, current medications, and a therapist-patient service agreement. If you're participating in online therapy, you'll likely fill out these forms online. Also be prepared to answer questionsabout what brought you to therapy, your symptoms, and your history—including your childhood, education, career, relationships (family, romantic, friends), and current living situation. Once the therapist has a better idea of who you are, the challenges you face, and your goals for cognitive behavioral therapy, they can help you increase your awareness of the thoughts and beliefs you have that are unhelpful or unrealistic. Next, strategies are implemented to help you develop healthier thoughts and behavior patterns. During later sessions, you will discuss how your strategies are working and change the ones that aren't. Your therapist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy techniques you can do yourself between sessions, such as journaling to identify negative thoughts or practicing new skills to overcome your anxiety. What type of therapy helps the client modify maladaptive thoughts and actions?Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported approach to psychotherapy characterized by teaching the patient a set of coping skills. The skills are intended to modify maladaptive cognitions, behaviors, and physiological responses that maintain and/or exacerbate psychopathology.
Which type of therapy helps people recognize and change their faulty thinking processes?CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include: Learning to recognize one's distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality. Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
Which of the following describes maladaptive behavior?Avoidance, withdrawal, and passive aggression are examples of maladaptive behaviors. Once you recognize this pattern in your life, you can work toward finding alternative behaviors and start putting them into practice.
What do behavior therapists see as the cause of maladaptive behaviors?The ABCs of cbt
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an action-oriented form of psychosocial therapy that assumes that maladaptive, or faulty, thinking patterns cause maladaptive behavior and “negative” emotions. (Maladaptive behavior is behavior that is counter-productive or interferes with everyday living.)
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