Preferred Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

While Person-Centered Therapy offers valuable insights, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) more closely aligns with my understanding of human behavior. Here’s why:

• Preferred Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Developed by Aaron Beck.
• Resonant Elements:
  • CBT emphasizes the role of thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in influencing emotions. This resonates with my view that our internal processing significantly impacts how we feel and experience the world.
  • CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. I believe this approach empowers clients to take control of their thinking and improve their emotional well-being.
• Client Problems: CBT views client problems as stemming from unhelpful thinking patterns and learned behaviors. These patterns can lead to distorted interpretations of situations and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
• Positive Change: CBT emphasizes collaboration between therapist and client. The therapist helps the client identify negative thought patterns, understand how they contribute to emotional distress, and develop skills to challenge and replace them with more realistic and helpful ones. The client also learns new coping behaviors to manage difficult situations more effectively.
• Client Example: Imagine a client struggling with social anxiety. CBT would explore the negative thoughts and beliefs underlying their anxiety (e.g., “Everyone will judge me”). The therapist would then work with the client to identify the evidence for and against these thoughts and develop strategies for challenging them. Additionally, the client might learn relaxation techniques and social skills to manage anxiety in social situations.

Contrasting Orientation: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Theory:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Developed by Steven Hayes.

ACT acknowledges the limitations of changing thoughts directly. Instead, it focuses on:

• Acceptance:Accepting difficult thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Values-driven living:Identifying personal values and committing to actions that align with those values.
• Psychological Flexibility:Developing the ability to observe thoughts and feelings without getting hooked by them, allowing for more effective responses to situations.

While CBT and ACT share a focus on behavior change, ACT offers a different perspective on the role of thoughts and takes a more accepting stance towards emotional experiences.