What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

The term Cognitive Behavior Therapy is not the name of one specific therapeutic approach, but rather is the
name of a group of therapeutic approaches which focus on thinking and actions as being the prime mediators
for change (Dobson,2001, pg 7). Despite the name, it would be a mistake, to assume that CBT only focuses
on cognitive and behavioral factors. CBT acknowledges the influence of the enviroment, biology, and emotions
on the individual and seeks changes in all areas (Padesky and Mooney, 1990).

Schools within Cognitive Behavior Therapy include:
Cognitive Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy,
Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Schema Focused Therapy (NACBT, 2006) Reality Therapy (Buckell,Wubbolding,
2000), and Multimodal Therapy- to name only a few.

Although the exact origins of the principles which underline CBT may be debated, the early pioneers included:
Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, Arnold Lazarus, and Donald Meichenbaum.

Albert Ellis, who in 1955 first presented his ideas for what would latter be known as Rational Emotive Behavior
Therapy, is frequently given credit for being the “godfather” of the current CBT movement.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and in particular Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy, has been widely researched and
has proven itself to be effective for a variety of conditions including: depression, anger, anxiety, eating
disorders, and many personality disorders.(ACT, 2006)

References

Buckel, J., & Wubbolding, R., Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy: The Essential Guide. Steven
Palmer (Editor), Sage Publications, London 2000.

Dobson,K.S., Handbook of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, 2nd Edition Guilford Press 2001, New York City.

Padesky, C.A.,& Mooney, K.A. Presenting the cognitive model to clients, International Cognitive Therapy
Newsletter, 6, 13-14, 1990 http://www.padesky.com/clinicalcorner/pdf/v6no_1_2_present_model.pdf
retrieved from the world wide web on 5/27/2006

“History of Cognitive Behavior Therapy”, National Association of Cognitive Behavior Therapist
http://www.nacbt.org/historyofcbt.ht retrieved from the world wide web on 5/21/06.

"What Research Shows", American Academy of Cognitive Therapy
http://www.academyofct.org/Info/Guide.asp?szparent=308&SessionID=gusqqomem retrieved from the world
wide web on 5/21/06.