Week 4: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

When first introduced, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was unlike any other therapeutic approach. For years, psychotherapeutic techniques were driven by psychoanalytic theories. These techniques were time consuming, leaving many therapists frustrated with the length of time involved in helping their clients achieve a sense of relief. With the development of CBT, however, therapists were able to help their clients heal more quickly. This poses the questions: If CBT is more efficient than other techniques, why isn’t it used with all clients? How do you know when CBT is an appropriate therapeutic approach?

This week, as you examine cognitive behavioral therapy and its appropriateness for clients, you compare it to rational emotive behavioral therapy. You also develop diagnoses for clients receiving psychotherapy and consider legal and ethical implications of counseling these clients.

Photo Credit: Clayton Rohner/Creatas Video/Getty Images

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

· Chapter 8, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” (pp. 313–346)

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

 

Note: You will access this text from the Walden Library databases.

Required Media

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2013). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.

 

Note: For this week, view Behavior Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy only. You will access this media from the Walden Library databases.

Beck, A. (1994). Aaron Beck on cognitive therapy [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.

 

Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases. The approximate length of this media piece is 50 minutes

Eysenck, H. (n.d.). Hans Eysenck on behavior therapy [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.

 

Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases. The approximate length of this media piece is 50 minutes.

Optional Resources

Ellis, A. (2012). Albert Ellis on REBT [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.

 

Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases. The approximate length of this media piece is 50 minutes.

Assignment 1: Cognitive Behavioral Theory Versus Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory

While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) have many similarities, they are distinctly different therapeutic approaches. When assessing clients and selecting one of these therapies, you must recognize the importance of not only selecting the one that is best for the client, but also the approach that most aligns to your own skill set. For this Assignment, as you examine the similarities and differences between CBT and REBT, consider which therapeutic approach you might use with your clients.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Compare cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy

· Recommend cognitive behavioral therapies for clients