Key Concepts Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - 2367 Words

One of the most challenging aspects of this school program has been trying to recognize a theoretical orientation that I can identify with. Throughout the course of this class, I have discovered various aspects that have remained consistent within my personal wants and desires for group, which have allowed me to focus my attention on which approaches fit well with my style of therapy. The following will describe the key concepts of the cognitive behavioral approach; a view of the roles of the therapist and group members; key developmental tasks and therapeutic goals, techniques, and methods; and the stages in the evolution of a group. An integration of two additional theoretical orientations will also be included. Key Concepts of†¦show more content†¦The key concepts of a cognitive behavioral approach have been broken down into a four-stage process. According to Corey (2016), â€Å"the specific unique characteristics of behavior therapy include conducting a behavioral assessment, precisely spelling out collaborative treatment goals, formulating a specific treatment procedure appropriate to a particular problem, and objectively evaluating the outcomes of therapy† (p. 349). The behavioral assessment is aimed at gathering as much detailed information about the client’s problem. This part of the process will also focus on the client’s current functioning and life conditions and taking samples of his or her behaviors to provide information about how the client typically functions in various situations. Lastly, the behavioral assessment is narrowly focused and integrated with therapy. A unique aspect of the cognitive behavioral approach in group therapy is the focus on specific target areas of change. The members are responsible for formulating specific statements of the personal goals they want to achieve. The group leader is responsible for helping the members break down their goals into specific, concrete, and measureable goals. An agenda is set at the beginning of each session in a collaborative fashion with the members and group leader in order to prioritize