Cognitive Therapy vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The distinction between cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy lies in the methods that a counselor employs to understand a client. A variety of therapeutic methods are used in psychology and counseling to help individuals understand and influence their behavior. Cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are two such therapeutic methods. Cognitive therapy is a particular type of therapy used by counselors to understand a client’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions in order to treat them. In contrast, cognitive behavioral therapy is an overarching term used for several therapies. This illustrates that cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are not the same but rather two different varieties. This article will examine the differences between the two types while providing an understanding of each therapy.
What is Cognitive Therapy?
Cognitive Therapy (CT) was developed by Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s and is considered the first psychotherapy to be clinically tested. Cognitive therapy falls under the larger umbrella of cognitive behavioral therapy and is seen as a highly effective therapy that has made significant contributions to the treatment of individuals. This therapy focuses on bringing about immediate change in individual behavior by paying attention to individual emotions and thoughts. The counselor and client work together to understand and correct maladaptive behavior.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to understand a client’s feelings and thoughts in order to comprehend their behavior. It is employed for anxiety, phobias, depression, and addiction, typically dealing with a specific issue faced by the client. Throughout the therapy process, it enables the individual to identify and change behavior that may be maladaptive. Cognitive behavioral therapy has become a popular therapeutic method as it is effective and short-term. It provides the client with the awareness to address problems and destructive behavior in a positive way, expanding their understanding of themselves.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy encompasses a wide range of therapies, including cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and multimodal therapy. In CBT, the client undergoes several steps, ultimately allowing them to change their maladaptive behavior. Initially, the counselor explores the problem with the client, then focuses on identifying the behavior contributing to the problem. Finally, the client learns new patterns of behavior that will help change the problematic behavior. This demonstrates that cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are two distinct terms.
What is the difference between Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
• Cognitive therapy is a specific type of therapy used by counselors to understand a client’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions in order to treat them, while cognitive behavioral therapy is an umbrella term used for several therapies.
• Cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and multimodal therapy are considered cognitive behavioral therapies.
• In cognitive therapy, the counselor employs a cognitive model or framework, but in cognitive behavioral therapy, the counselor can use either a cognitive or a behavioral model.
Key Takeaways
- Cognitive therapy is a specific type of therapy that falls under the larger umbrella of cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Cognitive therapy focuses on immediate change in individual behavior by examining emotions and thoughts, while cognitive behavioral therapy encompasses a wide range of therapies and can use either a cognitive or a behavioral model.
- Both therapies aim to help clients identify and change maladaptive behaviors, but cognitive therapy is more focused on understanding a client’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
