Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Group Therapy

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I decidedly maintain that cognitive-behavioral therapy and group therapy offer the highest potential of benefits to patients. However, I must toss a caveat — all therapies or combinations of them have the potential of benefitting patients to a certain extent, depending on their conditions. Now, let us get started on the matter. The integrative, two-pronged approach of Cognitive-behavioral therapy alters both thought and behavior. In other words, it informs patients about their illogical negative thoughts and replace them with rational, ways of thinking. Most importantly, it teaches patients to apply a positive approach to their daily lives. From the standpoint of its effectiveness, I consider this therapy of great significance because it treats …show more content…

The main benefit that results from receiving therapy while being part of a small group of patients who meet on a regular basis, is that some participants act and react more like themselves in a group setting than they would individually with a therapist. Despite some obvious difficulties resulting from a diversity of problems and perspectives, the internal dynamics of the group present exceptional opportunities to all its members to talk, work together, and discuss their issues with each other under the professional guidance of a counselor, psychotherapist, or psychoanalyst. Not surprisingly, participants in group therapy attain a stronger than usual sense of individuality and social acceptance as a consequence of their connection with the other members of the group. The reason is that at a certain point they realize that they are not alone, but surrounded by other individuals experiencing problems and emotions similar to their own. Certainly, by being able to watch others dealing with those issues they may find answers to their concerns and frustrations. At the same time, the feedback provided by the other members may offer them an exceptional insight into their own condition. Furthermore, this type of therapy usually allows to simulate family experiences of its members so that the corresponding dynamics surface for purposes of reflection and analysis. Additionally, the group may become as a sort of round-table to discuss and improve on newly learned behaviors. Last of all, since all parties involved help others in the group ponder their issues, this type of therapy provides participants a great probability of enhancing their