Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT

2. Assumptions underlying CBT • Key influence on behaviour is how an individual thinks about a situation. • Aims to change unwanted or maladaptive thoughts and beliefs • Believes that undesirable behaviours have been learned. • Disputes maladaptive thoughts and seeks to replace them.

3. Stress inoculation training • Meichenbaum (1985) • A form of CBT • We can inoculate ourselves against stress in the same way that we can be inoculated against infectious diseases.

4. 3 main phases • Conceptualisation • Skills acquisition (and rehearsal) • Application and follow-through

5. Conceptualisation • Client is educated about the nature and impact of stress. • Identify particular areas of stress • Stress to be viewed as a problem to be solved • Client to think differently about their problem

6. Skills acquisition and rehearsal • Strategies for coping with the client’s specific problem are taught e.g. Positive thinking, relaxation, social skills, diversion, using social support, time management • Coping skills practised in the clinic

7. Application and follow-through