______________________ Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Theory, Techniques, and Applications, 3rd Edition
previously in this text as the cognitive structure through which information is processed at a relatively deep level that is not easily accessible to the individual’s awareness. The term core belief is often used interchangeably with the term schema . The term core belief , however, infers an essential, fundamental belief or thought as opposed to a cognitive structure through which information is processed. Core beliefs are those beliefs that are global, rigid, and overgeneralized (Beck, 1995). Core beliefs are not necessarily readily perceptible to the individual but can be discovered by evaluating more accessible cognitions to which the core beliefs give rise. Such terms describe the next concept related to cognitions or types of thoughts as an underlying assumption , intermediate belief , and conditional belief . These terms refer to thoughts occurring in “if-then” patterns, can be understood to consist of atti- tudes, rules, and assumptions, and are more accessible to the individual than schemas and core beliefs (J. S. Beck, 2020). For example, this type of cognition may include “If I do not perform perfectly on my test, then I am a failure.” The level of thought considered the most accessible to an individual’s awareness is the level of automatic thoughts. Freeman and colleagues (2004) offer the observation that automatic thoughts are the “cognitions that spontaneously flow through one’s mind at the moment” (p. 5). They may consist of distorted views and are often those cognitions most noticeable to the person; however, some individuals may need assistance learning to identify automatic thoughts. To illustrate this order of cognitive concepts, consider the fol- lowing example. Through abuse or traumatic events in a per- son’s childhood, the individual may develop a trauma-related schema or structure through which they interpret the world. The core belief is “The world is unsafe.” The intermediate belief that forms is “If I leave my home, then I will be hurt,” and the related, distorted automatic thought triggered by a social invita-
tion might be “I can’t be in a crowd; I can’t go to the party,” which is the emotional response of despondency or anxiety. The following schematic illustration of the cognitive model draws from Beck (2020). Figure 1 clarifies the relations and processes discussed thus far that form the basis of the cognitive model and therapy. Based on the cognitive model discussed above, the purpose of cognitive therapy is to assist clients in understanding how their style of thinking affects their emotional experience and behav- iors by applying evidence (Leahy, 2017) and logic to evaluate the accuracy and utility of their thoughts and beliefs; they are able to modify their thought processes. Various techniques can be used to identify and change distorted automatic thoughts and maladaptive beliefs. These techniques are introduced later in the course. Misconceptions About Cognitive Therapy Cognitive therapy is not simply applying a prescribed set of techniques to alleviate all current and future distress. Instead, it is a cooperative endeavor between therapist and client. Through their work together, the client develops skills to under- stand and manage distress and to support adaptive coping and functioning. This process can be accomplished through various techniques and interventions and is facilitated through evaluat- ing testing and challenging thoughts that may be maintaining or worsening such distress, learning coping skills, engaging in behavioral experiments, and developing emotional awareness. Techniques included within the cognitive therapy repertoire not only focus on thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions but may also include behavioral and emotional processing techniques. There are many myths about cognitive therapy, reflecting inac- curate perceptions that it is simplistic, rigid, and inflexible, devaluing the depth and intricacies of the human condition
OVERVIEW OF THE COGNITIVE MODEL
Adapted from Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Figure 1
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