Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Theory

OVERVIEW OF FOCUS QUESTIONS FOR THE THEORIES:

RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY - Corey, p. 275-287

1. Who are the key figures (founder or founders) associated with the approach?
Albert Ellis (influenced by Epictetus [ancient Greek philosopher], and Adler, as well as Karen Horney.

2. What are some of the basic assumptions underlying the approach? (p. 273-275)
Our emotions stem mainly from our beliefs, evaluations, interpretations, and reactions to life situations. Human beings are born with a potential for both rational, "straight," thinking and irrational, "crooked" thinking. People have predispositions for self-preservation, happiness, thinking and verbalizing, loving, communion with others, and growth and self-actualization, as well as propensities for self-destruction, avoidance of thought, procrastination, endless repetition of mistakes, superstition, intolerance, perfectionism and self-blame, and avoidance of actualizing growth potentials. Humans are fallible. Social interests determine psychological health. People disturb themselves.

3. What are a few of the key concepts that are essential to this theory? (p. 276-279)
Focus needs to be on thinking and acting rather than just expressing feelings. Therapy is an educational process. Values "Getting better" over "Feeling better." Although we learn irrational beliefs from significant others during childhood, we create irrational dogmas by ourselves by actively reinforcing self-defeating beliefs by autosuggestion and self-repetition (E.g., "I'm an idiot." "I am stupid." "I'm a failure."). Blame is at the core of most emotional problems, thus, "stop the self-blame, stop the pain!" "Shoulds, Musts, and Oughts" consume our thoughts and reinforce shame. "3 BASIC MUSTS:" p. 277. // A-B-C FRAMEWORK: (p. 278). A = Activating Event B = Belief C = Emotional and Behavioral Consequence. It's what we "BELIEVE" about an "ACTIVATING EVENT" that causes "EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL...

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