Page 4 - LN 3_Therapuetic Approaches

▪ The questions make the client think in a direction opposite to that of the negative
automatic thoughts whereby s/he gains insight into the nature of her/his
dysfunctional schemas, and is able to alter her/his cognitive structures.
▪ The aim of the therapy is to achieve this cognitive restructuring which, in turn,
reduces anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

▪ The most popular therapy presently is the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
▪ CBT adopts a biopsychosocial approach to the delineation of psychopathology.
▪ It combines cognitive therapy with behavioural techniques.
▪ The rationale is that the client’s distress has its origins in the biological,
psychological, and social realms.
▪ Hence, addressing-
~ the biological aspects through relaxation procedures,
~ the psychological ones through behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy
techniques and
~ the social ones with environmental manipulations
▪ This makes CBT a comprehensive technique which is easy to use, applicable to a
variety of disorders, and has proven efficacy.