Cbt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Running head: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Abstract CBT is based on the concept that mental disorders are associated with characteristic changes in cognitive and behavioral functioning. This pathology can be modified with realistic problem-focused techniques. CBT is well established as a treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders and is therapeutic to use in all ages. There is growing evidence that it can play an significant role in the clinical management of a large range of other disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and axis II conditions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy History Aaron Temkin Beck is known as the father of cognitive behavioral therapy. He was born July 18, 1921 and began his love for behavioral psychology while studying at Brown University. Beck graduated from Brown with magna cum laude in 1942. He then attended Yale Medical School and graduated with an M.D. in 1946. In the 1960s, as a psychiatrist, Beck’s initial focus was treating depression utilizing psychoanalytical theory. During his sessions, Beck discovered that his patients were experiencing an inner dialogue, or self-talk but were not communicating this useful information. Beck strongly believed that the connection between thoughts and feelings was incredibly important and needed to be contributed to the session. Through his work, he found that his patients experienced segments of negative thoughts that seemed to happen spontaneously. Beck coined these cognitions “automatic thoughts,” and determined that their content could be categorized into three sections: negative ideas about themselves, the world and the future. According to Beck, the term automatic thoughts described emotion-filled, thoughts that might pop up in the mind that at times, patients may not be fully aware of.
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