In cognitive therapy, techniques are designed to:
A assist individuals to dispel self-defeating cognitions and to teach people how to acquire a rational approach to living.
B help clients experience their feelings more intensely.
C assist clients in substituting rational beliefs for irrational beliefs.
D enable clients to deal with their existential loneliness.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: A
“Assist individuals to dispel self-defeating cognitions and to teach people how to acquire a rational approach to living.”
Explanation (Approx. 300 words):
Cognitive therapy, developed primarily by Aaron T. Beck, is a structured, time-limited, and goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationships among thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. At its core, cognitive therapy helps individuals recognize and challenge distorted or maladaptive thought patterns—known as cognitive distortions—and replace them with more accurate, balanced, and constructive ways of thinking.
The correct answer, A, captures the essence of cognitive therapy. It highlights two main goals: (1) dispelling self-defeating cognitions, which are negative and irrational thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral problems, and (2) teaching a rational approach to living, which involves helping individuals develop healthier thinking patterns, leading to more adaptive behaviors and emotional well-being.
For example, someone with depression might think, “I’m a failure; I can’t do anything right.” Cognitive therapy would help the person identify this thought as distorted, examine the evidence for and against it, and develop a more balanced perspective, such as, “I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also succeeded in many things.”
Let’s briefly consider why the other options are incorrect:
- B: “Help clients experience their feelings more intensely” is more aligned with emotion-focused or experiential therapies, not cognitive therapy.
- C: While similar, this option refers to rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) by Albert Ellis, which emphasizes replacing irrational beliefs with rational ones. Though related, it’s distinct from Beck’s cognitive therapy.
- D: “Enable clients to deal with their existential loneliness” is a goal of existential therapy, not cognitive therapy.
In summary, cognitive therapy aims to reduce psychological distress by changing dysfunctional thought patterns, empowering individuals to think more rationally and effectively manage their emotions and behavior.
