theoretical orientation
When thinking about my theoretical orientation, I firmly believe that Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) guides my ways of intervening with any problem. CBT focuses on how people’s perceptions of situations influence their emotional and behavioral reactions. Individuals can learn how to identify their thoughts and correct their thinking in order to behave more functionally. CBT has a foundation in the “here and now” in order to guide behaviors and emotions to find solutions to a problem based on one’s thought patterns.
Dr. Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania, founded Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the 1960’s. Dr. Beck worked with patients to identify and evaluate thought processes and by doing so patients were able to think more realistically (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). As a result, they felt better emotionally and were able to behave more functionally.
The use of CBT in individual and group therapy can have long-lasting effects for a variety of presenting problems. It educates individuals in the realm of cognitions, behaviors, and emotion-regulation skills. Individuals can, in turn, learn how to solve real-life problems. CBT is collaborative in nature and the individuals work with the psychologist to create goals and decide how time is spent in session. It allows for the individual to feel empowered by learning how to control their thoughts in order to influence their behaviors. Important parts of each session include “a mood check, making connections between sessions, discussing specific problems and teaching skills in the context of solving these problems” (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Through my practicum and internship experiences I have been able to apply the CBT model in my own practice. One case that the CBT model has helped to conceptualize my work would be my work with “John.” While in the sixth grade, John was referred by his teachers and mother for counseling services. His presenting concerns included the outward expression of anxious feelings, feelings of being overwhelmed, failure on tests, and failure to complete homework assignments. Upon first meeting with John he presented as a sweet, friendly, and motivated young boy. His family history is significant for anxiety on his paternal side. John slowly began to grow more overwhelmed as the year went on and he grew fixated on comparing himself to others. He felt as if he was being pointed out in class for not doing his work when classroom rules were implemented. These feelings of being overwhelmed lead to multiple breakdowns in class, which also lead to him being out of class often where he missed work and began to stress more.
In working with John, we focused on his thoughts and how those thoughts made him feel. He charted his feelings utilizing a mood meter and worked on labeling his feelings. Over the course of the sessions he practiced coping strategies and breathing techniques in order to bring awareness to the “here and now.” By working through the CBT model, it will inform the next steps of treatment for John, which will include anxiety reduction strategies, emotion-regulation, and positive self-talk.
By working in the CBT model, individuals will be better able to challenge distorted thoughts and learn how to modify their environment. Individuals can develop the strategies needed to solve real life problems and be able to behave more functionally.
Dr. Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania, founded Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the 1960’s. Dr. Beck worked with patients to identify and evaluate thought processes and by doing so patients were able to think more realistically (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). As a result, they felt better emotionally and were able to behave more functionally.
The use of CBT in individual and group therapy can have long-lasting effects for a variety of presenting problems. It educates individuals in the realm of cognitions, behaviors, and emotion-regulation skills. Individuals can, in turn, learn how to solve real-life problems. CBT is collaborative in nature and the individuals work with the psychologist to create goals and decide how time is spent in session. It allows for the individual to feel empowered by learning how to control their thoughts in order to influence their behaviors. Important parts of each session include “a mood check, making connections between sessions, discussing specific problems and teaching skills in the context of solving these problems” (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Through my practicum and internship experiences I have been able to apply the CBT model in my own practice. One case that the CBT model has helped to conceptualize my work would be my work with “John.” While in the sixth grade, John was referred by his teachers and mother for counseling services. His presenting concerns included the outward expression of anxious feelings, feelings of being overwhelmed, failure on tests, and failure to complete homework assignments. Upon first meeting with John he presented as a sweet, friendly, and motivated young boy. His family history is significant for anxiety on his paternal side. John slowly began to grow more overwhelmed as the year went on and he grew fixated on comparing himself to others. He felt as if he was being pointed out in class for not doing his work when classroom rules were implemented. These feelings of being overwhelmed lead to multiple breakdowns in class, which also lead to him being out of class often where he missed work and began to stress more.
In working with John, we focused on his thoughts and how those thoughts made him feel. He charted his feelings utilizing a mood meter and worked on labeling his feelings. Over the course of the sessions he practiced coping strategies and breathing techniques in order to bring awareness to the “here and now.” By working through the CBT model, it will inform the next steps of treatment for John, which will include anxiety reduction strategies, emotion-regulation, and positive self-talk.
By working in the CBT model, individuals will be better able to challenge distorted thoughts and learn how to modify their environment. Individuals can develop the strategies needed to solve real life problems and be able to behave more functionally.