Advanced Clinical Nuts and Bolts Assignment

Cognitive

Provide a brief history of how the theory began and how it has evolved. Who are the major contributors to this theory or model and what do you know about him/her/them? What historical events and cultural norms may have influenced the creation of this theory? This can be in bullet points where it is relevant) in other words, you do not have to write this section in narrative form).

Cognitive aka Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT)

Focuses on patient/client’s thought process

Sensitive to time (short term) and focuses on the present

Dysfunctional thoughts= maladaptive behaviors

Focuses on the linkages of systems

CT can be thought of as a theory

This is because it’s a system of strategies and a series of techniques

Each system involved is for survival- cognitive, behavioral, affective and motivational- composed of structures known as schemas

Cognitive therapy involves strategies

Collaborative enterprise between patient/client and therapist

Purpose is to explore and modify dysfunctional interpretations by using logical examination and behavioral experiments

Clients/Patients learn to help themselves through coping mechanisms

Collaborative Empiricism

Therapist asks questions to understand the client/patient point of view

Guided Discovery

Finding out what the client/patient misinterpretations and beliefs come from

Both work by using Socratic Dialogue which is a form of questioning that helps uncover the patient/clients views

Created by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s

Realized that internal thoughts affect and influence behaviors

Psychologist, Albert Ellis, worked independently from Beck on the same concept

Many patients had internal dialogues that seemed as if they were talking to themselves

Thoughts made an impact on their feelings

Rigid form of treatment

Patient to discuss issues with therapist who will work on specific goals with client/patient

Identify the basic assumptions, tenants, and major concepts of the theory. You should include techniques, examples, or any important aspects of the theory that you consider primary to your understanding and ability to apply the practice. This can be in bullet points. The information you provide here will be especially useful as a “cheat sheet” in your internship and/or as a study guide for any licensure exams you take. This can be in bullet points where it is relevant (in other words, you do not have to write this section in narrative form).

CBT is an action oriented treatment; patient must be actively engaging during tx

With CBT, you identify common themes in a patient’s emotional reaction, narratives, and imagery

Usually goes on for 12-16 weeks and therapist is actively engaged with client

CBT is used in conjunction with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Both share an importance of cognition and both view the task of therapy is to change maladaptive assumptions

Facing your fears is a technique

To bring about change, a client must face their fears instead of running away from them

Role playing

Clients may role play during sessions

This helps the client prepare for problematic interactions that they may have with others

Learning to calm yourself as strategy

Patients can resort to relaxation techniques such as breathing or stretching or using guided imagery that helps you focus on peace, rather than destruction that may be occurring in one’s life

CBT focuses on both negative and positive interactions/experiences patient may have had

People contribute to their own negative experiences

CBT helps clients to have a routine and lessen avoidance

Based on the major concepts of this theory, what presenting problems or mental or behavioral health concerns do you think this theory may be appropriate for? And is it a theory of explanation or change or both?

This theory works with individuals who experience anxiety, substance abuse, personality, and other disorders.

This theory would be considered to be both due to it being one of the most used treatments with patients. They must acknowledge the issues that they have in order to break free from the issues that are barriers and allows the patient to change their way of thinking.

Does the theory account for the life experience of the client? Does the theory/model allow for diversity of identity or experience in relevant ways such as ethnic preferences, cultural values or norms, racial differences, gender expressions, socioeconomic status, and religious preference? How?

Yes, the theory accounts for life experiences. This theory allows the patient to reflect over their life and what is causing them issues so them and the therapist can come up with goals for treatment. This theory can take in account a person’s diversity or identity, if need be in order to overcome barriers during treatment and growth.

What does the evidence say about this theory? Pull from other resources other than your textbook readings to answer this question. For some theories, it is equally important to identify which groups or problems the theory is NOT effective with as it is to indicate which groups or problems it is effective with.

Works for all types of individuals

Those with mental illnesses such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc

Children and geriatric clients

Cognitive Theory/CBT is an effective treatment

Research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT and has proven that it is an effective treatment for those with psychological issues and those who have medical issues with mental illness as a co morbidity

Evidence based treatment

Therapists who have used CBT with their clients have noticed success with complex disorders

Short term treatment that focuses on the here and now

Works at the pace of the client

Just as effective as medication because clients learn coping skills that they will use even after treatment ends

Goals of treatment are clearly defined for clients; no surprises so they know what to expect

Requires patient/client engagement

Therapist works along with patient in goal creation and attainment

Effective for communication and dialogue

Can be adapted to meet the patient where they are

In what ways, if any, does this theory fit in your theoretical approach to your current work or your future work as a social worker?

I do believe that CBT will allow me to assist my clients or patients by assisting them with coping mechanisms. For instance, if they are nervous coming to treatment, I could assist them with breathing exercises that they could do prior or during to treatment to make them feel at ease.