Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy

1977 Words4 Pages

Cognitive behavioral group therapy for anxiety disorder typically consists of 12 to 20 weekly session and is composed of five to seven clients and one or two therapists (Heimberg & Becker, 2002). In the first session, the therapist will present the cognitive-behavioral model of SAD and the rationale behind treatment. The first basic level is to identify negative cognitions (automatic thoughts) and behaviors, to observe the covariation between anxiety and automatic thoughts, to challenge logical errors in automatic thoughts, to formulate rational alternatives and establishment of behavioral goals. During later sessions, members learning specific strategies. The Core elements of cognitive-behavioral model of social phobia, include training in the identification, analysis, and restructuring of dysfunctional cognitions, behavioral rehearsal of cognitive restructuring procedures in the context of exposure exercises, exposure to anxiety-provoking events in the group and finally assigned homework to complete cognitive-restructuring and exposure exercise situations rehearsed in the context of the group. Cognitive-behavioral treatments for social phobia have typically emphasized cognitive-restructuring and exposure interventions; either alone or in combination, in either individual or group formats (Heimberg & Juster, 1995; Juster& Heimberg, 1995). The majority of cognitive therapies for social anxiety disorder include systematic exposure to feared social situations and behavioral experiments (Juster and Heimberg, 1995). A large amount of researches support the efficacy of treatments incorporating both cognitive techniques and exposure. Exposure therapy in people for the fear of socializing can involve a hierarchy including these ... ... middle of paper ... ...en positive, treatments using CBT techniques showed significantly larger treatment effect sizes than educational-supportive or placebo across all of the anxiety disorders. Also, an individual therapy based on an efficacious and effective group therapy for social anxiety disorder was shown to be more efficacious than no treatment in reducing the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. However, there is appearing to be clinical benefits and limitation to delivering in CBGT format. Some clients become visible to benefit most from individualized approaches, whereas others become visible to do very well in CBGT. Yet, many questions remain regarding the overall effectiveness of Cognitive behavior group therapy approach. In conclusion, hopefully, one day, Cognitive behavioral group therapy for social anxiety disorder will be researched and understood in more detail.

Open Document