Cognitive
Behavioral
Therapy (CBT)
• An Overview of Principles, Techniques,
and Applications
Presenter: Fatima Abid
Roll No: BS PSY R 026
Introduction to CBT
+Definition: CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps
individuals change unhelpful or distorted thinking
patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors.
+Origin: Developed in the 1960s by Aaron T. Beck.
+Purpose: To treat various mental health issues such as
anxiety, depression, and stress.
Key Principles of CBT
CBT is based on several principles, including:
• Psychological issues are partly based on problematic or
unhelpful patterns of thinking.
• Psychological issues are partly based on learned
patterns of unhelpful behaviour.
• Psychological issues are partly based on problematic
core beliefs, including central ideas about yourself and
the world.
Key Points of CBT
• Cognitive Model: Our thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors are interconnected. Changing one can lead to
changes in the others.
• Focus on the Present: While past experiences are
acknowledged, CBT primarily focuses on current
thoughts and behaviors.
• Problem-Solving Approach: CBT encourages
practical problem-solving to cope with challenges.
• Empowerment: Clients are guided to become their
Types of CBT
• Cognitive therapy centre’s on identifying and changing
inaccurate or distorted thought patterns, emotional responses,
and behaviours.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) addresses destructive or
disturbing thoughts and behaviours while incorporating treatment
strategies such as emotional regulation and mindfulness.
• Multimodal therapy suggests that psychological issues must be
treated by addressing seven different but interconnected
modalities: behaviour, affect, sensation, imagery, cognition,
interpersonal factors, and drug/biological considerations.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Techniques
• Identifying Negative Thoughts It is important to learn what
thoughts, feelings, and situations are contributing to maladaptive
behaviours.
• Practicing New Skills In cognitive behavioural therapy, people are
often taught new skills that can be used in real- world situations.
• Goal setting can be an important step in recovery from mental
illness, helping you to make changes to improve your health and life.
• Learning problem-solving skills during cognitive behavioural
therapy can help you learn how to identify and solve problems that
may arise from life stressors, both big and small.
Problem-solving in CBT often involves five steps:
1. Identify the problem
2. Generate a list of potential solutions
3. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each
potential solution
4. Choose a solution to implement
5. Implement the solution
Self-Monitoring Also known as diary work, self-
monitoring is an important cognitive behavioural therapy
technique. It involves tracking behaviours, symptoms, or
experiences over time and sharing them with your
therapist.
Example Scenario - Case Study
Title: Case Study: "Sarah's Anxiety"
+Background: Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher, experiences
anxiety before speaking in public.
+Initial Thoughts: Believes she will embarrass herself and
that others will judge her negatively.
Applying CBT to Sarah's Case
• Cognitive Restructuring:
+Identify Negative Thoughts: “I will mess up” → “Mistakes are
okay and everyone makes them.”
+Challenge and Replace: Sarah learns to replace negative
thoughts with more balanced, realistic ones.
• Behavioral Activation:
+Gradual Exposure: Sarah starts by speaking in front of a mirror,
then to a small group of friends.
+Increase Engagement: Gradually increases her exposure to
larger audiences to build confidence.
Outcome of CBT Application
• After several sessions, Sarah reports reduced anxiety
levels.
• She is able to speak in front of her class without severe
apprehension.
• Improved self-esteem and recognition of her
capabilities.
• Continued practice of CBT techniques in her daily life
Core CBT Benefits
• Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative
thought patterns.
• Behavioral Activation: Encouraging clients to engage in
activities that improve mood.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradually facing fears in a controlled and
supportive environment.
• Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness to increase
awareness of thoughts and feelings.
• Journaling: Keeping a thought diary to track thoughts, feelings,
and behaviors
Benefits of CBT
• Effectiveness: Research shows CBT is effective for
various disorders.
• Time-Limited: Typically structured over a number of
sessions (often 12-20).
• Skill Development: Clients gain tools to manage their
mental health independently.
• Versatility: Can be adapted for individual or group
settings, and for different age groups.
Limitations of CBT
• Not a one-size-fits-all: May not be effective for everyone.
• Requires Engagement: Clients need to be willing to participate
actively.
• Time and Effort: Requires practice outside of therapy sessions
for best outcomes.
• it involves confronting your emotions and anxieties – you may
experience initial periods where you're anxious or emotionally
uncomfortable
• it does not address any wider problems in systems or families
that may have a significant impact on someone's health and
wellbeing
Conclusion
• CBT is a scientifically supported therapeutic approach
that fosters self-efficacy.
• Helps individuals understand and modify patterns of
thinking and behavior.
• Continues to evolve, incorporating new research
findings and therapeutic techniques.
