Ricketts_Hanna-Marie_u09a1_TheoryApplication

docx

School

Capella University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

COUN 5239

Subject

Psychology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

10

Uploaded by DeaconStarling3846

Report
1 U09A1 - Theoretical Analysis and Application: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Hanna-Marie Ricketts COUN 5239 – Theories of Psychotherapy Professor Misty Grant June 8 th , 2023
2 Theoretical Analysis and Application: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Choosing a theoretical approach to use with clients can be challenging because theories are always being revised and replaced with new ones. This can eventually have an impact on a counselor's professional identity in addition to influencing growth and worldview change. While some counselors are content to stick to their preferred approaches and may be set in their ways, others are anxious to widen their practice areas and add more theoretical tools to their toolbox to better serve their clients. I'm in a precarious position as a prospective Licensed Professional Counselor, toeing the line between saeral theoretical stances. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aligns with my personal beliefs the best. The history of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as its fundamental philosophies, will be looked at for the purposes of this essay. The remainder of the paper will discuss how CBT fits with my own views, beliefs, and opinions on the therapeutic process. It will also offer an assessment of the evidence in favor of this theory with reference to a recent case study. The paper will explain why CBT is suitable for a range of demographics and provide a theoretical application considering Susan's case study. The ramifications of goal planning will be highlighted in this application, along with a range of strategies, a discussion of the value of cultural concerns, and an emphasis on the significance of both strengths and constraints. Theoretical Analysis: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy The history of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is complicated since some people think that it originated from the combination of American Psychiatrist Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy (CT) and Behavior Therapy (BT) techniques developed by Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner. To comprehend the history of CBT's platform completely, we must examine the contributions that resulted in its formation.
3 Psychologists and theorists began establishing the foundation for contemporary psychosocial therapies around the beginning of the 20th century. John B. Watson, an American psychologist, founded the behaviorism school to emphasize the significance of psychology and how it relates to human behavior, with a focus on how biology influences ideas and behaviors. Watson and Pavlov were shown to be capable of demonstrating predictability in changing human behavior, particularly in preventing bad acts. The understanding of behavior therapy took its first revolutionary step with this. Behavioral therapy started to be used in the 1950s; It had a strong psychodynamic component and was mostly founded on operant and classical conditioning. With more adaptable concepts in mind, CT was developed in the 1960s, emphasizing the "role of internal experiences (thoughts and feelings) in determining human behavior" (Micaliff-Trigona, 2016). In the 1970s, several behavioral therapists started incorporating cognitive elements into their behavioral therapy techniques, giving rise to the theory "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy." At that time, the cognitive revolution was only getting started. Concepts, Principles, and Assumptions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT can be seen as a form of therapeutic unity. "Analyzing the self-defeating thought patterns that exist inside the minds of an individual identity to prevent them from changing maladaptive behavior" (Kottler & Montgomery, 2019). It relies on the premise that thinking controls behavior and emphasizes the significance of cognitive schemas, which are sometimes referred to as "life traps" that leads to skewed thinking. According to Kottler and Montgomery (2019), "Schemas are formed via life experiences; they are the ideas and presumptions individuals carry around inside them that impact their thought processes. A few common concepts that might cause distortions are overgeneralization, personalizing, adopting a lose-at-
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
4 all-costs mentality, and forecasting. Several CBTs with links to both BT and CT are in use today. These include Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Even though mindfulness and goal setting are essential components of CBT, some may claim that other principles are absent. However, it's important to keep in mind that not every condition has its own treatment plan and set of specific change principles. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, counselors might employ and use a variety of strategies with their clients. CBT is a type of talk therapy that places a strong emphasis on the bond between the therapist and the client. The two must cooperate; Clients are knowledgeable about themselves, while the therapist is a specialist in theory and practice (Kottler & Montgomery, 2019). The sessions must also be goal-oriented and follow a step-by-step process to monitor progress. The most likely scenario is that CBT will be used for a brief period inside sessions, with the client given homework from the counselor so they may use their abilities in real-world settings. The therapist may then assist the client in learning how to make self-directed decisions that are constructive and beneficial (Kottler & Montgomery, 2019). Some individuals think CBT is utilized as a "catch-all" strategy by counselors who are unclear about their theoretical orientation. Although CBT is now generally established, there are times when it lacks structure because counselors are not always getting the desired results. This can be the result of the counselor using the incorrect approaches, a misdiagnosis, or a lack of understanding with the "said" client (e.g., culture, beliefs, underlying issues). Counselors may start off using one strategy before realizing a different strategy is more effective.
5 Personal Philosophies and Views I do believe that people are accountable for their behaviors, and while figuring out what motivated a client's behavior can occasionally be challenging for counselors, CBT can be helpful. As previously established, CBT is a type of talk therapy in which the client and counselor interact in a conversational way to explore the experiences, thinking processes, and emotions that influence behavior. We may sometimes better comprehend the subjective meaning we assign to objects by asking questions, acting out scenarios, and reliving specific occurrences. Creating a rapport can help establish a space where the client feels secure, allowing therapists to evaluate specific problem areas such as the lack of social skills or feelings of nervousness in certain settings. I believe this is crucial because, without open communication, nothing can be accomplished. Evaluation of Evidence Supporting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, arguably the most common Evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, has been useful in several situations. The American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice (2005) describes evidence- based practice can be described as clinical expertise combined with the most successful studies, considering the personality characteristics, preferences, and culture of the client. The following problems, such as drug use disorder and numerous psychotic illnesses have been explored with CBT, according to a representative sample of 106 meta-analyses. The outcomes show that, compared to other therapy approaches, CBT response rates are highly effective. Appropriateness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Diverse Populations Globalization has had an overall negative influence on cultural variety during the past ten years, which has led to the growth of many treatment modalities. A plethora of options have become available for counseling practitioners to include in their theoretical frameworks because
6 of the growth of creative psychosocial therapies pertaining to race, religion, and culture. According to Naeem et al. (2012), one approach that has utilized cultural adaptation is CBT. This methodology "makes modifications in how therapy is provided, through the acquisition of awareness, knowledge, and skills related to a specific culture, without jeopardizing on a theoretical foundation." The fact that CBT is affordable, brief, and customized to each client's requirements are some of the most notable reasons it is acceptable for varied demographics. The foundation of CBT is the examination of one's underlying beliefs, which might differ from culture to culture. For this reason, it is necessary for a counselor to become familiar with a client's past before their initial session. CBT has been modified for several Western ethnic minorities as well as local communities in non-Western cultures employing several phases and mixed-methods research. Since CBT is very organized, it is possible to give treatment to people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Counselors must be knowledgeable while dealing with every client since doing so will enable them to go forward with an awareness of their client's views and methods of communication and information acquisition. In addition to parental support, paying attention to children, recognizing the link between emotions, beliefs, and actions, and expressing emotions. It is possible to meet the necessities of the client by using visuals and role-playing. Language is the best indicator of how people think internally, all cognitive treatments are particularly attentive to language use. The theory is that you can affect someone's thought processes if you can influence how they verbally express themselves" (Kottler &Montgomery, 2019). Therapeutic Case Goals Aligned to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Susan, a 29-year-old woman, seems to be having difficulties in several aspects of her life. Susan married Mark when she was 19 years old; they have two children together—a boy who is
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
7 10 years old and a daughter who is 4 years old. Due to control difficulties, infidelity, and Mark's lack of parental responsibility, the divorce took place "mutually" two years ago. Following time spent with his father, Susan's connection with her son became difficult (he has behavioral/anger issues). Relationship status as of Susan is that she with John, who recently lost his job, for a year. Susan claims that he is only with her because he has nowhere else to go. Susan, a CNA, is currently a full-time worker, a student, and lives paycheck to paycheck. Her parents' divorce when she was 14 years old, as well as her repeated efforts to leave the house and her declared disregard for her parents, were among her first traumas. However, she has since made peace with her mother. Susan said she hasn't used marijuana in five years and just sometimes drinks wine. Susan expresses unfavorable emotions that she may have been holding subliminally all these years. Counseling's primary goal is to help clients make good changes in their lives. Understanding the difficulties, the client is facing with (identifiers) is the first step. After that, the client and counselor collaborate to create a treatment plan that involves setting realistic goals. The targeted aims are subsequently attained by putting the objectives into practice. To evolve and achieve self-actualization, a client must have the self-control to resist self-defeating thinking. The client and the counselor might then start to notice a change. Susan struggles with commitment, exudes a lack of self-assurance, and has negative emotions toward the males in her life. Starting with a sharing activity might be crucial since it could establish a secure environment and help develop rapport. Application and Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Evidence-Based Techniques There are several evidence-based strategies that might be used in Susan's situation. Starting with meditation, breathing is a type of mindfulness-based cognitive treatment that is
8 intended to help those who experience persistent hopelessness and recurrent spells of depression. This method "teaches individuals to intentionally give focus on their emotions and thoughts without putting any judgments upon them" (Sipe & Eisendrath, 2012). Susan seems to be having relationship issues, so writing could be quite beneficial. She would be able to express her sentiments and identify pressures by putting them in writing. Following that, employing problem-solving techniques such as "identify the issue, set a goal, collect information, create a plan, do & evaluate" may prove to be essential. Susan will feel more confident and self-assured because of this. Incorporating role-playing may also be beneficial so Susan may confront her concerns in a secure setting and grow more confident. The empty-chair method from Gestalt therapy may also be helpful since it gives Susan an opportunity to express some of the repressed emotions she hasn't addressed about her father and ex-husband. Susan's gender, age, socioeconomic class, culture, and upbringing are significant considerations. As prejudice and stereotypes have been associated with single moms, tainting one's viewpoint and worldview, Susan's mental health may be significantly impacted by her middle-aged divorced status and her two children. This is among the reasons therapists need to be present and knowledgeable about their patients' views right from the start of therapy. Given that CBT is inexpensive, quick, and targets skewed thinking, applying it to Susan's situation seems reasonable. To genuinely be able to identify which tactics and procedures would be most appropriate for her circumstance, a therapist would need further details. According to Kottler and Montgomery (2019), Before clients can examine their confining thoughts and self- talk, they may need some sort of supportive and person-centered therapy.
9 Conclusion Professional counselors use a variety of theoretical methods, one of which is cognitive- behavioral therapy. The history of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its fundamental ideas were covered in this essay. It then went on to discuss how CBT is consistent with my own values, beliefs, and opinions on the therapeutic process. The paper offered a theoretical approach in relation to Susan's case study while discussing the benefits of CBT for a wide range of demographics. The value of cultural concerns gave a few strategies, highlighted the consequences of goal planning, and underlined the significance of strengths and constraints.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
10 References American Psychological Association. (2005, July 1). Report of the 2005 Presidential Task Force on evidence-based practice1 ... Report of the 2005 Presidential Task Force on Evidence- Based Practice. https://www.apa.org/practice/resources/evidence/evidence-based-report.pdf Beppe Micallef-Trigona, M. (2016, May 17). The origins of cognitive behavioral therapy . The Origins of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-origins-of- cognitive-behavioral-therapy#1 Kottler, J. A., & Montgomery, M. J. (2019). Theories of counseling and therapy: An experiential approach (3rd ed.). Cognella. Naeem, F., Ayub, M., Kingdon, D., & Gobbi, M. (2012). Views of depressed patients in pakistan concerning their illness, its causes, and treatments. Qualitative Health Research, 22 (8), 1083-1093. https://10.1177/1049732312450212 Sipe, W. E. B., & Eisendrath, S. J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: Theory and practice . SAGE Publications. https://10.1177/070674371205700202