Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Introduction:

In order to overcome behavioral problems such as anxiety, depression or fear, individuals usually communicate their problems or anxieties with their trusted friends or family members. In case of a somewhat complicated problem, a counselor is consulted. These are a relatively simple form of psychotherapies that individuals have been practicing from centuries. However, with the development of modern science and advancements in the field of psychology, theorists have identified some more effective approaches for psychoanalysis. The most noticeable work in this regard was done by Sigmund Freud who was the first to develop modern techniques for psychoanalysis. Despite of the fact that Freud’s approaches towards psychoanalysis have received considerable criticism, they have proved to be beneficial in solving behavioral problems. It should be noted that the development of psychotherapy has been used as a means to solve behavioral problems from centuries. Although, modern approaches towards psychoanalysis are somewhat different from the indigenous methods, they are some similarities in terms of their theories.

The Behavioral and Cognitive approaches of psychotherapy have proved to be one of the most effective psychological approaches for a wide range of behavioral problems. These approaches were developed as a result of modern psychological research and are therefore based on scientific principles. In cognitive behavior therapy, the psychotherapist works closely with the patient in order to identify and evaluate behavioral problems. The focus of this approach is towards the difficulties concerning the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behavior. The therapist relies on the patient for the development of an understanding of the individual’s behavioral problems. As soon as the therapist is able to develop an understanding of the individual’s problem, he or she defines multiple therapy strategies and objectives, which are continuously reviewed and observed. It should here be noted that Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapists work with individuals as well as families and groups. (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a form of psychoanalysis that focuses on the importance of thinking in determining human actions. Cognitive behavioral psychotherapists believe that the thinking of an individual influences his or her actions and emotions. Hence, if an individual is experiencing undesirable feelings and behaviors, it is a result of his or her thinking. It is therefore important to identify the thinking, which is the primary cause of undesirable behavior or emotions, and to replace it with productive thoughts that may lead to desirable behaviors. At present, psychotherapists adopt several different approaches to psychotherapy including Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy and Rational Living Therapy. (Beck)

Origins of Cognitive Behavior Therapy:

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, is considered to be the first cognitive behavior therapist. Teachings of Siddhartha, concerning the behavior of individuals, appear to be very similar to modern psychotherapeutic approaches developed by western philosophers. He has identified some very effective methods for getting rid of undesirable behavior. It is interesting to note that Buddhism is generally considered as one of the major religions of the world. However, it is also practiced as a guideline for moral philosophy and applied psychology. The main teachings of the Buddha are composed of “Four Noble Truths”. These four noble truths include: i) the life is full of suffering and is therefore unsatisfactory; ii) the cause of this suffering is passion or need; iii) this suffering can be brought to an end through brining desires to an end; iv) there is a way to achieve the cessation of desires, which he termed as the Noble Eightfold Path. The eight main pillars of the Noble Eightfold path include right thought, right speech, right understanding, right endeavor, right action, right living, right focus and right awareness. (Katz)

Modern theorists have devoted substantial attention towards the study of Buddhism because of the reason that Buddhism contains considerable material of psychological relevance. Buddhism as a religion demands its followers to bring considerable psychological changes in terms of their lifestyle, thinking patterns etc. The Noble Eightfold Path discussed above, demands a major psychological change in an individual. It should be noted that this change is achievable through an individual’s own effort. Some of the main psychological aspects are clearly discussed in Buddhism including the concept of motivation, perception and cognition. Discussing the concept of motivation, Buddhism clearly defines the basic motivations behind human actions. It declares that the behavior of an unenlightened person is derived by driven by craving or desire. As discussed earlier, this craving or desire is supposed to be responsible for suffering in life. Buddhism classifies desires, craving or “tanha” in three different forms named as kama tanha (desire for sensory satisfaction), bhava tanha (desire for survival) and vibhava tanha (desire for extermination). (Davidson & Harrington)

In Buddhism, perception is believed to be based on twelve gateways, including the five senses, the mind or “inner sense” and the object of these six senses. The inner sense possesses the capability to mirror on the objects of the five senses. The amalgamation of each of the five senses and its objects result in the form of a particular form of consciousness. The primary objective of Buddhist practices is to attain the state of arahant, which leads to the end of suffering in life. To achieve this state, an individual is expected to go through a process of personal development, organized living and meditation. Meditation is given central importance in Buddhism. It recommends two different forms of meditations. One is known as samatha (harmony) and the other is known as vipassana (concentration). It is claimed that meditation, if conducted in a proper manner, may lead to increased level of concentration, independence from disturbance, development of an ability to adapt with the changing surroundings and an increased level of awareness. Recent studies have revealed that Buddhist meditation techniques can prove to be beneficial in achieving certain psychological objectives. For instance, it can be used as a stress reduction technique in place of the modern relaxation strategies. It has also been discovered that meditation can lead to several other changes including reduced oxygen consumption, decreased blood pressure and lesser heart rate.

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