Cognitive and behavioral therapies

Abstract

For more than 40 years, the cognitive and behavioral therapies have evolved as alternatives to more traditional non-directive and insight-oriented models of psychotherapy (1). Cognitive and behavioral therapies now include a diverse group of interventions that share several pragmatic and theoretical assumptions. First, there is an emphasis on psychoeducation-patients are assumed to be capable of learning about their disorder and the interventions they will need to treat it. Second, homework and self-help assignments are usually recommended, to provide patients with the opportunity to practice therapeutic skills and generalize positive behaviors outside of the therapy session. Third, treatment is based on the objective assessment of psychiatric symptoms, and the selection of therapeutic strategies derives logically from such assessments. Fourth, therapeutic tools are generally structured, directive, and characterized by a high level of therapist activity, and for most disorders they are time-limited in nature. Finally, these therapies are based on empirical evidence that validates and guides the choice of therapeutic techniques.