Cognitive behavior therapy is an evidence-based and results-oriented psychotherapy approach that is based in learning theory and cognitive psychology, a compound of Cognitive Therapy and Behavior Therapy. CBT is a structured, active and insight-promoting psychotherapy that is focused on the present and the future, aware that the behavior may have evolved in the past but are resolved in the present. Central to the CBT is behavioral analysis or situation analysis, the interaction between individual and environment which seeks to identify causes of problems or behavior and what perpetuates it. The analysis identifies and highlights our individual thoughts, feelings, behavior and physical reactions in different situations and in conjunction with the surroundings. CBT is an generic term and includes multiple methods of therapy such as schema therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
The National Board of Health encourages primarily CBT treatment for anxiety and depression. Scientific studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for many disorders and problems including depression, phobias, stress, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, eating disorders, low self-esteem, addictions, hypochondria, aggression, separation anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, relationship problems and sexual problems.
The following explanation of the concept of behavior is on the Swedish Association of Behavioral Therapy homepage www.kbt.nu
“The way that the term “behavior” is used in CBT is different from everyday language use of the word. The behavior means different physical reactions, their own interpretations and perceptions of events and specific actions that affects both the individual himself and his surroundings. Behavior in this sense are subject to change in cognitive behavior therapy. The psychotherapeutic methods and techniques developed from this approach in each area have been effective and sometimes very effective in the treatment of psychological problems. ”
Important people within the development and progress of Cognitive Behavior Therapy inlcludes: Aaron Beck, B.F Skinner, Donald Meichenbaum, Martin Antony, Christine Padesky, David Clark, Steven Hayes, Marsha Linehan, Steve Young.
For psychotherapists, supervisors, psychologists and students:
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