What is Cognitive Therapy?

Cognitive therapists(CT) emphasize a collaborative and active approach for both the
therapist and patient.  Other hallmarks of CT include setting reasonable and reachable
goals, session agendas, a structured approach to problem solving, an emphasis on
the present not the past and between session homework. For most problems CT is
short-term, lasting approximately 6 - 12 sessions. Some people may require longer
time to address more complex problems or underlying personality characteristics or
more chronic disorders.

Cognitive therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (i.e. CBT) was developed in the
1960’s by Aaron Beck MD. Dr. Beck originally developed CT as a proven short term
treatment for depression. Since then numerous researchers have expanded the range
of problems treated by CT. Today CT has become the most scientifically proven and
most often recommended type of psychotherapy for depression, anxiety disorders,
substance use problems, pain disorders and a wide range of other psychological
problems.

The primary focus of cognitive therapy is to correct the thoughts, emotions and
behaviors associated with psychological disorders.  This is accomplished through
testing and restructuring automatic thoughts (eg. expectations and assumptions) and
learning new behaviors.

How do I know I am getting "real" Cognitive Therapy?

Just like reading a book or attending a few classes does not make someone a
surgeon, this same kind of preparation does not make someone a surgeon or a
Cognitive Therapist.  In order to make sure that the Cognitive Therapy you are
receiving is the full, research proven therapy - you need to make sure your therapist is
Certified by an official body that evaluates the therapists knowledge AND practice
abilities. Many therapist advertise that they conduct cognitive therapy when in fact they
are simply offering a few of the techniques that they have learned.  This is the same as
learning what a carbonater, knowing how to put fuel in the gas tank and changing your
tires - and calling yourself a mechanic!

The Academy for Cognitive Therapy is the only certifying body that evaluates and
certifies that therapists are qualified to conduct Cognitive Therapy according to proven
Cognitive Therapy methods.  At the Center for Brief Therapy there are two certified
professionals: Dr. Arthur Freeman and Dr. Sharon Morgillo Freeman.  In addition the
Center has several therapists who are in a training program to qualify to be evaluated
by the Academy for Certification.

Behavioral Change is an important part of Cognitive therapy.

Changing your beliefs helps to change unproductive behaviors (e.g. avoidance
patterns, compulsions, passivity and impulsiveness, aggressiveness), Cognitive and
behavioral strategies complement each other change in one area can stimulate
change in the other. “Behavioral experiments” are used to challenge old beliefs and to
guide the course of therapy. Behavioral strategies also emphasize re-learning
unproductive behavior and replacing it with constructive behavior. For example,
behavioral relearning could include; deep muscle relaxation, breathing retraining,
exposure and desensitization, activity scheduling, pleasure planning, interpersonal
conflict resolution, assertiveness training and active listening skills.

What do you mean by Outcome Research in CBT?

An impressive amount of scientific research has repeatedly documented the powerful
effectiveness of CT. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be as effective as
medication for the treatment of some forms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore,
long-term relapse rates are lower for individuals treated with CT than on medication
alone. Cognitive therapy also works well in combination with medication.  

For more information on outcome research go to:
http://www.beckinstitute.org/beck.html
What is Cognitive Therapy?