Cognitive Behaviour

Therapy
Week 1

Prepared by:
Dr. Sam Jeng Mun
Learning outcomes
• At the end of this lesson, you will be:
1. Able to understand the main concept of cognitive theories
2. Able to complete case conceptualization/formulation using the 4Ps model
Introduction to CBT
• First developed by Aaron T. Beck at the University of Pennyslvannia in early 1960s
• Structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy for depression, directed toward solving
current problems and modifying dysfunctional thinking and behaviors
• Cognitive model – distorted or dysfunctional thinking – which influences the client’s mood and
behavior – common to all psychological disturbances
• Realistic evaluation and modification of thinking produce an improvement in mood and behavior
• Enduring improvement results from modification of the client’s underlying dysfunctional beliefs
Forms of CBT
• Albert Ellis’s rational-emotive therapy
• Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive-behavioral
modification
• Arnold Lazarus multimodal therapy
 Cognitive therapy is based on an ever-evolving formulation of the client and her
problems in cognitive terms

Cognitive therapy requires a sound therapeutic alliance

Cognitive therapy emphasizes collaboration and active participation

Principles Cognitive therapy is goal-oriented and problem-focused

underlying Cognitive therapy initially emphasizes the present

cognitive therapy Cognitive therapy is educative, aims to teach the client to be her own therapist, and
emphasizes relapse prevention

Cognitive therapy aims to be time limited

Cognitive therapy teaches patients to identify, evaluate, and respond to their

dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs

Cognitive therapy uses a variety of techniques to change thinking, mood, and

behavior
Developing as a cognitive therapist
• Appears to be simple
• Experienced cognitive therapist – conceptualizing the case, building rapport, socializing, and
educating the client, identifying problems, collecting data, testing hypotheses, and summarizing
Cognitive Conceptualization
• Questions to ask self as a therapist:
1. What is the client’s diagnosis?
2. What are the current problems; how did these problems develop and how they are maintained?
3. What dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs are associated with the problems; what reactions
(emotional, physiological, and behavioral) are associated with her thinking?

Refer to case: Sally

Cognitive Conceptualization (2)
• What early learnings and experiences (and perhaps genetic predispositions) contribute to her
problems today?
• What are her underlying beliefs (including attitudes, expectations, and rules) and thoughts?
• How has she coped with her dysfunctional beliefs? What cognitive, affective, and behavioral
mechanisms, positive and negative, has she developed to cope with her dysfunctional beliefs?
• How did (and does) she view herself, others, and her personal world, her future?
• What stressors contributed to her psychological problems or interfere with ability to solve these
problems?