Introduction
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are a set of theories that endeavour to solve patient’s contemporary problems. Some of these theories include Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. However, throughout this work, we will be focusing mainly on Beck’s cognitive behavioural therapy. It is important to note that all CBT treatments are characterized by certain features. Firstly it is a highly structured, evidence based-treatment that aims to address patient’s current problems. Moreover, the treatment is goal oriented, and is collaborative in nature. Lastly, the clinician is interested in improving the patients distressing emotional states and unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. There are as many as 16 different theories associated with the cognitive behavioural model. However, the CBT model we will be using in this work is based on the Cognitive Therapy which is also known as CBT.
Role of Negative Thoughts in CBT
Understanding negative thoughts is an important area of focus in CBT, as Beck’s model was developed to treat depression. Mclead (2008) asserts that CBT is based on the model that it’s not events themselves that upset us, but the meanings we give them. Furthermore, Mclead notes that individuals whose thoughts are too negative, find hard to see things or participate (2008) in activities that disconfirm what they believe is true. Therefore, depressed