Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Theory

According to cognitive psychologists, people with psychological disorders can get rid of their problems, to develop new, more functional ways of thinking. Because different forms of anomalies may be associated with different types of cognitive dysfunction, cognitive therapists have developed several techniques. For example, the psychologist Aaron Beck has developed an approach called cognitive therapy only, which is widely used in cases of depression.

Cognitive therapy of Aaron Beck

Cognitive therapy – developed by Aaron Beck as an approach that helps people recognize and change their wrong thinking processes. People who need for this experience apply to psychologist.

Therapists help patients recognize negative thoughts, biased interpretation and logical errors, which are abundant in their thinking and who, according to Aaron Beck, create a situation of anxiety and stress and cause them depression. Therapists also encourage patients to change their dysfunctional thoughts, also to try out new interpretations and eventually begin to use in their daily lives new ways of thinking. People with depression who were treated using Aaron Beck ’s approach have recorded a much more noticeable improvement than those who are not treated at all.

Assessment of the Cognitive Theory

The cognitive model has been very widely accepted. Besides the behaviorists who now include cognitive concepts in their theories of learning, many clinicians believe that thought processes are much more than a conditioned response to stress. Cognitive theory, research and treatment methods are developed in so many interesting ways that this model is regarded as independency of the behavioral school.

Near 5% of today’s physicians identify their approach as cognitive. This overall percentage reflects a split in the clinical community. Cognitive therapy is used by 10% of therapist and other counselors, compared to only 1% and 4% of psychiatrists and social workers. Besides it, polls show that the number of specialists who use cognitive therapy is growing.

There are several reasons for the popularity of this model of psychological help. First, in the center of attention is the most unique human process – the human mind. Just like our specific cognitive abilities are responsible for many man’s achievements, they may also be responsible for the specific problems found in human functioning. That is why the model which considers the human mind attracts many theorists who have received the most diverse training.

Cognitive theory is also the subject of numerous studies. Scientists have found that for many people with psychological disorders is specific defective assumptions, thoughts etc.

Another reason for the popularity of the cognitive theory lies in the spectacular success of the cognitive methods of psychological counseling. For example, they were very affective in treating depression, panic disorder and sexual dysfunction.

Nevertheless, the cognitive model also has it drawbacks. Although the cognitive processes are involved may forms of disease, their specific role remains to be determined. Cognitive abilities observed in psychological distressed people may be a consequence rather than the cause of their difficulties. Second, although the cognitive therapy methods definitely help many people, who are unable to help everyone.