CBT Theory exam answer with a scenario to apply the theory against; covers the background of Aaron Beck's theory and the scenario.
Approx 1000 words excluding the question and scenario; this answer has been marked and passed with excellent feedback from the tutor.
Scenario:
You have trained to be an eclectic counsellor, which means you have an understanding of many
different models and approaches to help you choose the right way of interacting with your clients to
meet their own specific needs. Client A has presented a difficult history of interactions with his
parents which resulted in him leaving home in his late teens. He has had little contact with them since
then and has gradually become more dependent on the use of alcohol to help him cope with his
feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, depression and increasing isolation from his other family
members and friends.
Describe the key elements of cognitive behavioural theory using the work of Dr Beck, as well as
how you could specifically use cognitive behavioural theory skills to help client A deal with their
depression.
In 1967 Dr Aaron Beck founded Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as is an action-orientated
psychosocial therapy based on how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how these
affect our actions (behaviour). Beck believed that if, for example, a person has negative thoughts,
feelings and beliefs about themselves, they will then engage in behaviours that worsen their feelings.
However, through the structured sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a Client can challenge
such thoughts and replace them with new positive ones. Dr Aaron Beck stated the key elements to
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are:
1. The Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship: The trust and rapport between the Therapist and
Client is crucial when it comes to effective Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; the two must have a good
enough foundation in order to work together to improve the wellbeing of the Client and the Client is
encouraged to be an active participant in the sessions. The Client is also encouraged to give feedback
at the end of each session and they will be asked what they would like to discuss at the start of
sessions, so the Client's progress is always the focus. Furthermore, the Client may engage in role
playing and other exercises with the Therapist in order to put the techniques they are learning in to
practice.
2. Restructuring of Maladaptive Thoughts: CBT teaches a Client that faulty thought patterns are
based on false logic and irrational thinking; CBT sessions aim to teach a Client to challenge their
irrational thoughts and replace them with new rational ones. CBT uses a variety of techniques, such
as Behavioural Experiments, in order to change a Client's mood, feeling and behaviour to those of a
more positive or productive nature.
3. Education: Beck said that successful intervention can educate a person to identify their
maladaptive thoughts and beliefs and then challenge the affects of these thoughts and beliefs. The
Client is taught how to help themselves by evaluating and improving on their feelings and
behaviours, not just at a current moment in time, but for use in months or even years ahead. For
example, a Client may be given self-management training, which is a series of actions focussed on a
person recognising, treating and managing their own wellbeing.
4. SMART Goal Setting: Goals will be established at the beginning of CBT and are based on what the
Client shares with the Therapist at the start of the journey; goals should be SMART (Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Limited) and relate to the Client's problems, for example,
sticking to a daily routine for Clients who are suffering with depression.
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