Beck's Cognitive-Behavioral Theory

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Introduction: In the world of alcohol and drug and alcohol treatment there are many evidence based approaches that are used in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. All of these approaches have great value and effectiveness to their approach. These approaches not only treat addiction but will support many other diagnoses. The reasoning behind these approaches is to treat the person as a whole not only for a single diagnosis, but to support the person holistically. “Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this …show more content…

The core premise of this treatment approach, as pioneered by Beck (1970) and Ellis (1962), holds that maladaptive cognitions contribute to the maintenance of emotional distress and behavioral problems. According to Beck’s model, these maladaptive cognitions include general beliefs, or schemas, about the world, the self, and the future, giving rise to specific and automatic thoughts in particular situations. The basic model posits that therapeutic strategies to change these maladaptive cognitions lead to changes in emotional distress and problematic behaviors.” “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a general classification of psycho therapy, based on social learning theory, which emphasizes how our thinking interacts with how we feel and what we do. A counselor uses CBT to assist a client to recognize their style of thinking and to modify it through the use of evidence and logic.” ("Cognitive behavioral therapy," …show more content…

They focus on cognitive restructuring, modifying behavior, and/or developing alternative coping skills. They do share common principles such as brief and limited sessions, staying in the present tense of what is happening here and now, thought focused which helps a client recognize and understand personal thoughts that can lead to irrational fears and worries as well as exploring cognitive distortions, development and practice of new skills including teaching to understand situations and their responses and a sound therapeutic relationship which builds skills in that the client that helps the client learn to think differently. The counselor’s role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the client’s role is to express concerns, learn, and implement that learning. Advantages of using CBT include structure, an emphasis on getting better by learning how to recognize and correct problematic assumptions and clearly defined goals and methods that can be evaluated using scientific

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