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Cognitive behavior therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy
Lindsey Rasmussen
Counseling Theories & Practice
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Cognitive behavior therapy
I have mixed feelings about cognitive behavior therapy, mostly because of having
seen Albert Ellis’s approach. As a result, I am having a difficult time separating the two
– cognitive behavior therapy as a theoretical orientation and Dr. Ellis’s particular
approach during his work with Gloria – and every time I think about cognitive behavior
therapy, I find myself instead, thinking about the rather confrontational and aggressive
nature of Dr. Ellis and how much I do not like his approach Therefore, I will do my very
best in this reflection on cognitive behavior therapy to think of it as a theoretical
orientation and approach to therapy and not strictly in terms of rational emotive behavior
therapy or Dr. Albert Ellis. This being said, overall, I find the cognitive behavior
approach to therapy to be logical, relatively simple to implement, and rather effective. In
fact, I can see myself incorporating aspects of it into my professional practice someday.
Generally speaking, I understand the utility in taking a cognitive behavioral
approach to counseling – in modifying inadequate, inaccurate, and dysfunctional
thinking processes, thereby changing problematic emotions and behaviors. This is a
very efficient and evidence-based approach to helping someone deal with his/her
problems. Furthermore, I see cognitive behavior therapy as having particular relevance
to substance use disorders in that it can help people in recovery focus on changing the
cognitions and thought processes that can result in relapsing. I think encouraging clients
to focus on what they can change, and what they do have control over – their thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors – can facilitate and increase some very powerful and motivating
emotions like hope, strength, and self-efficacy, as well as return things that addiction
steals – a sense of power and control – over one’s self and one’s life.
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Cognitive behavior therapy
In general, I feel optimistic about cognitive behavior therapy, its wide applicability,
and its focus on the client’s ability to control and change his/herself, but on the other
hand, I also understand that cognitive behavior therapy also has its shortcomings. In my
opinion, cognitive behavior therapy can be rather limiting because of its lack of
emphasis on the expression of feelings and the exploration of more complex, emotional
issues. Furthermore, it comes with the possible danger of allowing a therapist,
especially one who is overly aggressive and/or confrontational, to impose his/her own
philosophy or way of thinking on the client, which can result in them being
psychologically harmed or exploited. Lastly, because I strongly value the therapeutic
relationship and believe it’s a powerful force in helping someone change, I disagree with
the cognitive behavioral position (or at least that of REBT) that a warm relationship
between a client and the therapist is not necessary or essential. Therefore, I think
perhaps a contemporary form of cognitive therapy might be a more appropriate ‘fit’ for
me.
Again I learned quite a bit about myself while learning about cognitive behavior
therapy, especially from watching Dr. Ellis’s work with Gloria. I learned that I do not
respond well to a more confrontational, or what I perceive to be aggressive, form of
therapy. This was quite apparent from my reaction to the video clip of Dr. Ellis working
with Gloria. I think some of this is due to the fact that I have a much ‘softer’ approach;
however, this is something I would like to look into further. I would like to explore on a
deeper level, why I feel uncomfortable with someone who is confrontational or
aggressive. I believe this is an important part of my learning process and development
as future professional counselor. If I don’t understand myself – my thoughts, feelings,
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Cognitive behavior therapy
and behavior – how can I ethically help others understand and begin to change these
same things about themselves?
There is one point that is becoming continuously clearer as we near the end of
the semester, and while it may be cliché, it’s really how I see my developing orientation
– the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. What I mean by this, is that an eclectic
approach, comprised of the most effective and empirically supported aspects of each
theory, chosen specifically based upon the needs of a specific client – is much stronger
(and more effective) than any one therapeutic approach used on its own. Therefore, I
should not limit myself to just one particular theoretical approach or therapeutic
orientation because doing so not only limits my potential effectiveness as a counselor,
but is a disservice to my future clients, who deserve the best care possible.
In conclusion, I don’t have any questions about cognitive behavior therapy at this
time. I would, however, like to continue exploring this therapeutic approach on my own,
to learn more about it and the techniques which have proven to be most effective in
clinical practice. Also, as I’ve stated time and time again this semester, I would like the
opportunity to discuss this therapy and others with my peers, particularly those who are
as passionate and motivated as I am. I absolutely love hearing other peoples’ opinions
and perspectives, especially when they are different from my own. And lastly, I will
continue to do my best to maintain an open mind as we approach the end of the
semester, keeping in mind that if something doesn’t strike a chord with me, it doesn’t
mean it won’t be useful for a future client.