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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Let’s take a brief look into the humble beginnings of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Originally, the first therapeutic approach to CBT was developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. This type of therapy was labeled as Rational Emotive Therapy or RET. Ellis developed his type of therapy mostly because of his increasing dislike of the inefficient and non-direct nature of Psychoanalysis. What is interesting about RET is that it has philosophic origins. Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus where well known Stoic philosophers of their day. Epictetus wrote in The Enchiridon, “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.” Another name that may seem familiar that was very influential to modern psychotherapy is Alfred Adler. He is well known for his development of individual psychology. He is also well known for saying, “I am convinced that a person’s behavior springs from his ideas” (Corey, 2013).
Since Rational emotive behavior therapy was, in sense, the first of the cognitive behavior therapies it is not surprising to see that it continues to among the major cognitive behavioral approaches today (Corey, 2013). The main premise for CBT is that people contribute to their own psychological problems by their distorted beliefs they hold regarding certain events, and situations in their direct environment (Corey, 2013). To some degree, cognitive behavior therapy is largely based upon assumptions that reorganizing one’s thoughts and statements will result in the reorganization of one’s behaviors. This represents, in a way, the cause and effect principle. People, most often than not, will experience certain thought or feelings that will undoubtedly reinforce a faulty belief. These belief...

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...ents work hand in hand on establishing long-term goals that are attainable to the client and work in more direct sessions that may be shorter in length but alleviate from “small talk”. All cognitive behavioral approaches share similar characteristics in that they focus on, “ (1) a collaborative relationship between client and therapist, (2) the premise that psychological distress is largely a function of disturbances in cognitive processes, (3) a focus on changing cognitions to produce desired changes in affect and , (4) present-centered, time-limited focus, (5) an active and directive stance by the therapist, (6) an educational treatment focusing on specific and structured target problems” (Corey, 2013). This type of therapy is not for everyone, so doing your research before jumping into a particular therapy is crucial because it is a substantial commitment.