Cognitive Theory and Therapy
Cognitive Theory and therapy appear to have developed as a reaction to Behaviorism simplistic view of human behavior. Cognitive Theory attempts to address variables that Behaviorism failed to account for in the previous behavioral models such as individual differences, thoughts, and emotions (as cited in Heffner, 2017). Cognitive Theory appears to be based on the premise that cognitive schemes and thoughts influence feelings, and, in turn, feelings influence and drive behaviors. Cognitive therapies within this model appear to focus on addressing faulty cognitions through directive exercises in an attempt to modify or extinguish an individual’s unwanted behaviors.
Techniques and Application
Cognitive therapies
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Using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, Ferergrad helped a client examine her negative thoughts and cognitive schemas (Dobson, 2012) surrounding her anxiety disorder. Feregrad guided the client first when dicussing her thoughts and feelings, and then with behavioral techniques that helped the client navigate distress. Challenging and examining the client’s thoughts and schemas associated with anxiety helped the client see how her feeling influenced her thoughts and her thoughts influenced her feelings, which influenced her behavior. Next, the clinician guided the client through breathing exercises that produced physical symptoms associated with anxiety and then relaxation. The effect of these breathing exercises appeared to be helpful for the client because she was able to examine how her thoughts affected her behavior. How her behavior in turn helped to re-enforce her thoughts, she was, therefore, able to differentiate between her thoughts, emotions, and actions to work toward some her goals using these techniques to address her …show more content…
Therefore, some therapies may be overly directive and structured for some individuals. The treatment sessions may also be inadequate for some situations. Furthermore, some Cognitive Theory therapies use formal assessment measures to monitor a client’s improvement over time (Dobson, 2012). The use of assessments and the formal monitoring of symptoms may make some client’s uncomfortable. Therefore, the clinician may want to take culture, situation, and individual client factors into