What is Cognitive Therapy? (Beckian Therapy)

This video describes Cognitive Therapy. Cognitive Therapy is a therapeutic modality that was developed by Aaron Beck. Cognitive Therapy is based on the idea that we can change our thoughts and our behavior and that will result in changes in feelings. Cognitive Therapy can be used to treat mental health symptoms and mental health disorders. This theory is arguably the most popular version of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The cognitive model presented in cognitive therapy is fairly precise. It starts with the idea of the core belief. The core belief is a belief that is deeply held and usually relatively simple. It is formed through childhood experiences and most core beliefs are positive, however in the model of cognitive therapy, the types of core beliefs that lead to problems are usually negative. When we have core beliefs these automatically generate intermediate beliefs. Core beliefs are deeply held and intermediate beliefs are somewhere between core beliefs and automatic thoughts. Intermediate beliefs are attitudes, rules, and expectations, that individuals have. Sometimes these can be distorted if the core belief is inaccurate. Inaccurate intermediate beliefs are carried around by individuals and when they encounter stressors then automatic thoughts come into existence. These are thoughts that just pop into somebody's mind. Most automatic thoughts are helpful and positive, however the ones that are based on negative core beliefs and usually negative. These automatic thoughts lead to reaction. Reactions are affective, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological. Sometimes these reactions can become another stressful event that is combined with another intermediate belief to form a new automatic thought. The cognitive triad is the idea that a lot of mental health symptoms come into being because people have distorted views of themselves, others, and the world. Cognitive distortions are consistent errors in thinking. There are a number of techniques in cognitive therapy including the therapeutic alliance, evaluating evidence, and self-talk (adaptive response). The adaptive response fits into the cognitive model. It is between the automatic thought and the reaction. In theory, if a person has an automatic thought and applies and adaptive response the reaction will change. This disrupts the cycle and leads to symptom reduction. Challenging core beliefs is a technique of cognitive therapy, however, it is not common as core beliefs are considered to be again fairly deeply held.

[svgnna]

It's my licensure exam tomorrow... And these helped me alot. ❤❤❤

[wandamixon]

These overviews of theories, from descriptions of the concepts and use of techniques to popularity and criticisms are valuable. I appreciate the differentiation of cognitive processes. Core beliefs are deeply held (stem from childhood) and produce intermediate beliefs (attitudes, expectations & rules), which may produce automatic thoughts when stressed. Automatic thoughts cause affective, behavioral, cognitive and/or physiological reactions. Cognitive distortions of the world, others, and self form the cognitive triad. Adaptive responses such as Self-talk disrupt the cycle and reduce symptoms. Other techniques include evaluating evidence, the therapeutic alliance, and less common, challenging beliefs. Cognitive therapy is particularly useful for treatment of mental health symptoms and disorders.

[sterlgirlceline]

You do such a stellar job of disseminating complicated material into a succinct overview while still maintaining a sense of the richness of the topic. I’ve never see psychotherapy overview descriptions this good. Thank you for sharing this excellent work Dr. Grande!

[stobbinsboy]

I've been following you off and on for about five years and have always found your to be thoughtful and insightful and of course humorously wry especially when you highlight celebrity or well known cases. Today, for myself it is particularly prescient as I have once again found found myself in therapy battling crippling anxiety, frustration and depression. Apparently I have been diagnosed with adult ADHD and social phobia many years ago coupled with what I consider a misdiagnosis of BPll along with meds a plenty prescribed. I have seen several psychologists and psychiatrists with varying degrees of fleeting success and I believe, along with my current psychologist that the ADHD has been a huge factor (much more) along with some childhood PTSD. Not everyone has been on the same page and most of the drugs and focus on an erroneous diagnosis have been godawful. I've weened myself off of a host of chemicals and the side effects and withdrawals I wouldn't wish on but a few people, ha! Seriously though, I just recently came upon Beck's Cognitive Triad and now this video and I am very appreciative and hopeful that I might finally be on the right track. Thank you, Dr. Grande!

[dHunter]

CBT is a therapy that I have always been drawn to, and to this day, I'm not entirely sure why. After learning about how it is a more structured approach compared to others, this may be why I am drawn to it. This was a great refresher on the essential components involved in Beck's model, such as the cognitive triad, core beliefs, schemas, as well as automatic thoughts. I also really enjoyed the mentioning of various techniques and approaches used in therapy, such as self-talk.

[angelinastanton]

I think that the cognitive triad of how we see ourselves, others, and the world is a very important focus in Cognitive Therapy. I agree that most of our beliefs are formed in childhood, and this can lead to having distorted intermedieate beliefs. I have used self-talk many times in my life to get through difficult times, and I have seen others use self-talk to lift their spirits and get through their day. I agree that self-talk is very powerful when used in a positive way.

[Cem.erguven]

Explained perfectly, thanks; no useless word, not at all! BRAVO 👏

[johnharrisjr]

Thank you for the analysis of cognitive therapy. I understand that core beliefs are what we experience in childhood. As a child I was taught not to lay around on Saturday's and not to waste food. I guess these are my beliefs now because on Saturday's I'm up early getting my haircut and the cars washed. I also try not to waste food

[NighthawkMS]

This was a good overview of CT, and basically reviewed everything we learned in our theories class, including talking about automatic thoughts and CT's attempt to change the negative schemas connected to those thoughts.

[adambrowne]

I really enjoyed the discussion of core beliefs. From our learnings over the last year, we have discussed heavily how early childhood experiences have an impact on a person's personality development and this video really drove this point home for me.

[ciaracarter]

This really is a super popular therapy. Even working in the school counseling world I see it being used often. I guess it makes sense because of the connection to childhood. It is necessary in the schools because students do have cognitive distortions which lead them to get in trouble. This video was helpful.

[scull]

Cognitive therapy's ability to gather evidence is reassuring when compared to other theories that may not be operating on standards set by formal logic.

[dafyddaprhys]

Thank you for these videos I find them providing deep thinking and gaining a greater understanding. Reflecting today I’ve given thinking to how people may be locked into a belief loop that re-enforces the core beliefs. I would call myself an amateur and life learner seeking a better understanding of myself and others.
My thoughts during and after your presentation I provide as feedback.

THE FALACY OF SELF MEDICATION - ADDICTIONS
Addictions disrupt our questions that may challenge sub-conscious beliefs that sometimes surface into the conscious that one tries to contest causing cognitive dissonance (pain). Thoughts of hope and current thinking of self that contest early childhood programming, and core beliefs. One feels guilty post self medication (drugs or compulsive obsessions) and this guilt re-affirms those deep core beliefs thus the cognitive dissonance is relieved (pain relief). Therefore those early childhood programs of unworthiness, selfishness, incompetence, are actually being reinforced by the use of self-medication that provides a temporary relief. And by settling the cognitive dissonance one becomes accepting of subconscious programming projected onto them in those early years as true.

[virginiamurrey]

Great refresher of what cognitive therapy is; I enjoyed listening to a description of the beliefs.

[kaitlynsantola]

This video provided a great review of what we have learned in previous classes. It was a nice refresher. I personally like Cognitive Therapy and plan to use it in the future. I enjoyed learning more about the cognitive triad and the challenging core beliefs technique.

[jillbeck]

A helpful concise description of cognitive therapy. The use of examples may more helpful still.

[jamesmarcussolzan]

Todd Grande, thank you for a terrific set of learning tools. Hope to hear more from you.
Marc Solzan, LCSW
DENVER CO

[SleeperRD]

I liked the adaptive response technique to automatic thought, but couldn't find more info and examples, anyone could explain it in details!, pls?

[jkg]

Thank you for this video. Easy to understand when linked to theory. :)

[paulafigueroa]

Thank you Dr. Grande... What if there is a way to explain this to a teenager? Could you please make a video addressed to the young one in the family? Please. Remember they were children not long ago and their vocabulary is a little narrow. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I love your videos.