Developed by: Albert Ellis, Aaron T. Beck, Maxie C. Maultsby, Michael Mahoney, Donald Meichenbaum, David Burns, Michael Mahoney, Marsha Linehan, Arthur Freeman,
Overview: "Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) facilitates a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist. Together, patient and counselor develop a trusting relationship and mutually discuss the presenting problems to be prioritized and explored in therapy. In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, the most pressing issue troubling the patient typically becomes the initial focus of treatment. As a result, the patient tends to feel relieved and encouraged that the primary problem that brought him to therapy is immediately being acknowledged and addressed. In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, problems are tackled head-on in a very practical manner. The patient is coached on the ABC's of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The therapist explains the connection between thoughts and beliefs and their impact on behavior. How the patient thinks about problems determines the way in which the individual responds to various issues. It's the manner of thinking about life's issues that steers the patient's way of behaving." ~Excerpt from Family Resource
"There are a few red flags to watch for when working with a Cognitive-Behavioral therapist, and for that matter, any therapist: One, that the therapist takes the role of the authority on you and your inner world of feelings. You are the expert and a good Cognitive-Behavioral therapist should respect that. Two, watch for leading questions. Three, be wary of the controlling and overly directive Cognitive-Behavioral therapist. Three, and perhaps most important to watch for, is a superficial consideration of your thoughts and feelings. A good Cognitive-Behavioral therapist will explore the depths and source of the thoughts and feelings you carry. A less experienced Cognitive-Behavioral therapist will not explore the belief to its fullest and may tend to believe that opposing the belief with positive thinking or affirmation is enough to counter, compensate, or overcome a belief. A good therapist will take as much time as is needed to truly, deeply, and respectfully understand and appreciate the source of a belief. It is through this understanding, not through countering, that healing happens in any therapy, including good Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy."
~Excerpt from anonymous email sent to GoodTherapy.org
Related Websites: National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre
Wikipedia's page on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Listed here
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Books on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy::
