Cognitive behavioral treatment for depression combines two types of therapy to lessen the depth of depression experienced by the patient. Cognitive therapy looks at the person's perceptions, evaluations and expectations. Behavioral therapy focuses on what can be observed and measured in a person's behavior. Using both therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to change a person's self perceptions and expectations.
Therapy
In one-on-one therapy, a client and therapist using cognitive theory will explore the self perceptions, self thoughts and expectations of the patient. Once these have been explored, the client and therapist will decide what are truly crucial problems in the client's life and what are minor problems. The therapist will help the client create realistic life goals that can change the client's depressive outlook.
Positive Self Assessment
The client and therapist will try to create a positive self assessment, which will detail the client's strengths and weaknesses. Through discussion the client will begin to concentrate on her strengths and begin to use these strengths to build coping strategies to deal with the depression.
Skill Development
Once the client's strengths have been identified, positive skills will be introduced to the client as possibilities for change and improved health. These skills can include communication skills, positive self talk, interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills.
Practice
When skills are identified, the client must practice the skills to achieve the goals that have been set. Usually this practice is done in one-on-one therapy or in group therapy. Practice models can include role playing, talking to mirrors, and writing interpersonal scripts in an attempt to anticipate response.
Homework
Homework is usually given between sessions to help the client work on the skills in the intervening time. Between the homework and the work done in therapy, the client can gain confidence in working with the skills to cope with life.
Real World Practice
When the client begins to attempt to use these skills in the real world to relieve depression, there is followup discussion about what the client did and how it worked or did not work. This gives the client a chance to refine and develop the skills until they become effective.
Tags: client therapist, have been, therapist will, client strengths, client therapist will, goals that, help client
