Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is mostly used in the treatment of depression and anxiety (Beck 1976; Beck and Emery
1985). It is founded on the principle that our thoughts affect our feelings and our behaviors. When we change
our thoughts, then we change how we feel and what we do. For example, sometimes in the course of life
people develop a pessimistic view of the future or a negative evaluation of themselves. These views can
decrease our ability to fully recognize positive life experiences or positive aspects of ourselves—even though
these positive experiences and aspects truly exist and offer proof that a more positive view of the future and
the self is warranted. In cognitive therapy, inaccurate thoughts—or cognitions—are identified, challenged,
and changed. As they are changed, a person's depressive and anxious feelings and behaviors can lessen
as well.
References
Beck, A. Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: International Universities Press 1976.
Beck, A. and Emery, G. Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective. New York: Basic Books
1985.
1985). It is founded on the principle that our thoughts affect our feelings and our behaviors. When we change
our thoughts, then we change how we feel and what we do. For example, sometimes in the course of life
people develop a pessimistic view of the future or a negative evaluation of themselves. These views can
decrease our ability to fully recognize positive life experiences or positive aspects of ourselves—even though
these positive experiences and aspects truly exist and offer proof that a more positive view of the future and
the self is warranted. In cognitive therapy, inaccurate thoughts—or cognitions—are identified, challenged,
and changed. As they are changed, a person's depressive and anxious feelings and behaviors can lessen
as well.
References
Beck, A. Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: International Universities Press 1976.
Beck, A. and Emery, G. Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective. New York: Basic Books
1985.
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| Copyright 2005-2006 Cynthia Good Mojab All rights reserved |
LifeCircle Counseling and Consulting, LLC