Comparing Social-Behavioural Theory And Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral theory is a micro-theory that was developed from behavioural therapy and cognitive therapy. Behavioural therapy focuses on how one’s mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and extreme anger, can be improved through behavioural change, whereas cognitive therapy focuses on thoughts and how clients’ interpretations of events affects their behaviour and emotions (Westbrook et al., 2011). CBT is a “manual-based treatment” (Duarté-Vélez, Bernal, & Bonilla, 2010) method that helps clients discover how their presenting issue may be caused by a dysfunctional but consistent interaction of certain behaviours, thoughts, emotions, and physiological symptoms (Westbrook et al., 2011).
One of the strengths of CBT is that it

Additionally, CBT is an empirically tested therapy, and has been found to be effective at treating many disorders, including panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression, among others (Butler, Chapman, Forman, & Beck, 2006). It can be reassuring for clients if they know that their practitioner is using an approach that is likely to be effective. Furthermore, funders of various health care settings will appreciate the use of a therapy that has been empirically tested, since they are more likely to believe that their investment is being put to good use. Lastly, it can be successfully adapted for use with different cultures, such as individuals from the Latino community who identify as LGBT and are displaying symptoms of depression (Duarté-Vélez, 2010). Since CBT allows clients to identify their own thoughts, core beliefs, and values, it can be used with diverse populations. However, it is important that practitioners be wary of defining certain thoughts as dysfunctional if the client considers them culturally appropriate or

CBT is based on the idea that if you are able to challenge certain negative thoughts, or participate in positive behaviours, then you will feel better. However, many clients may have negative thoughts about themselves due to generations of oppression, and it may be difficult to adequately address them in a time-limited therapy. Furthermore, it may not help their personal situations if they think differently, when social policies are not being introduced to address the problem that may be causing or contributing to their mental health issue. This is because CBT does not necessarily take into account structural forces that affect how people think or their ability to act. Lastly, because CBT is manual-based and, therefore, seems like a straightforward therapy, inexperienced practitioners may be more inclined to use it. It may not be effective when used by these practitioners, however. Over time, this can also change the effectiveness that the therapy is perceived to have by society, which may actually decrease its ability to help people make the positive changes they were hoping to make (Burkeman,