Cognitive Therapy

What is Cognitive Therapy?

There are several models of cognitive therapy however they all share basic elements.  In this modality of treatment the therapist will explore, with the patient, the relationships among cognitions (thoughts), affect (emotions), behavior, and psychological distress.  In addition, the therapist facilitates the cognitive restructuring.  Cognitive restructuring is simply a term for the changing of our thoughts (in the way we view ourself, our world and how others perceive us).  This restructuring of our thoughts includes the identification, exploration, and eventually the replacement of maladaptive or negative thoughts,  beliefs, and/or messages.  The replacement cognitions (or thoughts) produces a positive change in our behavior and emotions.

Other Techniques Incorporated

• Relaxation training: breath exercises, imagery, meditation, and  body work.  The patient learns how to relax muscles and  breath slowly which will systematically slow down the thought process and help discriminate between tension and relaxation
• Assertion training skills: identifies the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertiveness and helps to increase self expression and thus... self-esteem
• Problem solving: breaking the problem down into manageable steps
• Activity scheduling: building skills in regards to activity planning (pleasure, socialization, work related activities) based on patient needs during the time between contacts with the therapist
• Desensitization: provides the patient with the skills to gradually immerse self into anxiety -provoking situations while engaging in behaviors that compete with the anxiety (such as relation, self talk, or imagery)