Description
Noledweed-Guethy Jean-Baptiste
9:05amDec 27 at 9:05am
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Comparing Group, Family, and Individual Settings
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is increasingly acknowledged as a highly successful form of psychotherapy intervention. It has been empirically demonstrated to enhance self-esteem, social support, and overall health and alleviate specific symptoms. Psychotherapeutic intervention is characterized as a method that alters an individual’s perception and assessment of experiences. It assists in recognizing and establishing connections between emotions and cognitive patterns that contribute to symptoms of mental distress, such as depression, anxiety, substance dependency, and associated thoughts and feelings. Wheeler (2020) states that the success of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) relies on an individual’s ability to adapt their thoughts and behaviors positively to changing circumstances and environmental conditions. This involves effectively adjusting behavioral skills to address crisis-related challenges and learning from the negative consequences of one’s actions or symptoms. The therapist’s objective is to assist the patient in observing, assessing, tracking, and adjusting their problematic perspectives and behaviors toward a more optimistic, adaptable, comprehensive, logical, and self-assured set of skills (Wheeler, 2020).
The hallmark of CBT psychotherapy is the establishment of a therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the individual or group members. This alliance is built on trust, effective communication skills, and the setting of patient goals and abilities in a respectful, collaborative, and structured manner. CBT psychotherapy has various uses, including individual, family, and group settings.
The individual setting of cognitive behavioral therapy offers the benefit of specifically targeting individual needs through interactive approaches. In their study, Murphy et al. (2020) acknowledge that individual treatment not only addresses specific requirements but also assists the patient in advancing at their own pace while addressing motivation to change, safety, and strengthening interaction skills. While this strategy can be used in both family and group settings, it is particularly effective in individual settings. Polak et al. (2020) have shown that individual integrative cognitive-behavioral treatment can be a highly effective supplementary therapy for substance use disorder. In their study, they provided extensive evidence of how CBT aided a male combat veteran with Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD in achieving recovery and alleviating depressive symptoms. The veteran underwent four individual integrated CBT sessions, yielding remarkable outcomes. The veteran saw a significant reduction in his depression symptoms, going from severe to mild. His determination and belief in his ability to quit alcohol reached the highest level. Additionally, his self-perception and interpersonal connections have shown improvement. Furthermore, he has cultivated and recognized his self-assurance in adopting an optimistic outlook.
Individuals participating in group-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) benefit from the opportunity to engage with both the therapist and fellow group members, fostering a sense of support and a recognition that they are not isolated. Consequently, motivation is increased in comparison to a solitary environment. Murphy et al. (2020) discovered several favorable attributes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), such as its cost-effectiveness, potential for positive peer impact, and the ability of therapists to watch and intervene in individual behavior within a social setting. The main benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a group context, as opposed to a personal setting, include social support, the sharing of guilt and solutions, positive influence from peers, cost-effectiveness, and peer support in reducing abusive attitudes and behaviors. However, studies have demonstrated that, overall, group therapy approaches are equally beneficial as individual treatments for various mental health and behavioral issues (Murphy et al., 2020).
Cognitive behavioral therapy in a family setting is specifically focused on the members of a family. Its primary objective is to help them recognize automatic thoughts that often reflect underlying patterns of thinking. The cognitive behavioral therapist aims to evaluate the areas of conflict within the family and determine their readiness for change. They also address the importance of acknowledging the competition and demonstrate how modifying behavior in relation to the conflict will ensure harmonious family dynamics. Additionally, the therapist must identify the family’s cognitive abilities, as well as the emotional and behavioral characteristics that may be relevant for treatment.
PMHNPs may face several prevalent obstacles when implementing CBT, regardless of whether it is in an individual, group, or family context. These issues include an absence of motivation, hatred towards the therapist, and, occasionally, the financial burden of the sessions, which may impede the completion of all scheduled appointments. Motivation is a fundamental and essential element of CBT therapy. Participants exhibit complete involvement in the treatment solely when they possess full motivation. The presence of motivation is crucial for achieving success in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Murphy et al. (2020) propose that therapists employ motivational interviewing techniques to mitigate client animosity towards treatment, promote a collaborative alliance, and address ambivalence over therapy. Motivational enhancement therapy administered before group treatment can greatly promote adherence to cognitive-behavioral therapy procedures (Murphy et al., 2020). The antagonism displayed by a member of the group might have a negative impact on the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions. Members of the group would face challenges in their ability to mentally and practically concentrate on their actions and establish successful connections with others in an unfriendly setting. It is very recommended to engage in motivational treatment in order to prevent antagonism and foster a unified and vibrant atmosphere (Murphy et al., 2020).
My articles are scholarly because they have been published in the past five years and are written by experts in the specified fields.
References
Murphy, C. M., Eckhardt, C. I., Clifford, J. M., LaMotte, A. D., & Meis, L. A. (2020). Individual versus group cognitive-behavioral therapy for partner-violent men: A preliminary randomized trial. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(15–16), 2846–2868. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260517705666Links to an external site.
Polak, K., Meyer, B. L., Neale, Z. E., & Reisweber, J. (2020). Program evaluation of group transcending self-therapy: An integrative modular cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. Substance abuse: research and treatment, 14, 1178221820947653.
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
combinepdf (3).pdf
