COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY: COMPARING GROUP, FAMILY, AND INDIVIDUAL SETTINGS

There are significant differences in the applications of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for families and individuals. The same is true for CBT in group settings and CBT in family settings. In your role, it is essential to understand these differences to appropriately apply this therapeutic approach across multiple settings. For this Discussion, as you compare the use of CBT in individual, group, and family settings, consider challenges of using this approach with groups you may lead, as well as strategies for overcoming those challenges.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Post an explanation of how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings. Explain at least two challenges PMHNPs might encounter when using CBT in one of these settings. Support your response with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly and attach the PDFs of your sources.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

videos

·       Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. (2018, June 7). CBT for couplesLinks to an external site.[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZH196rOGsc(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

·       MedCircle. (2019, December 13). What a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) session looks likeLinks to an external site.[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-2WQF3SWwo(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

·       PsychExamReview. (2019, April 30). Cognitive therapy, CBT, & group approaches (intro psych tutorial #241)Links to an external site.[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2_NN1Q7Rfg(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy helps individuals understand their thoughts, attitudes, and expectations. Behavioral therapy perceives human behavior as learned and can be unlearned or learned afresh. It aims to determine whether particular behavioral patterns make life challenging or intensify an individual’s problems (David et al., 2018). The client and the therapist work on changing problematic behaviors. The discussion analyzes how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings and explains challenges PMHNPs might encounter when using CBT in these settings.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

CBT is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes the current problems and finding their solutions. It does engage the past as much, and the primary aim is to aid people to help themselves. However, therapists still inquire about an individual’s past in understanding the current problem. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely used to help individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, alcohol and substance abuse, and addiction (David et al., 2018). It can also be used to treat and relieve symptoms and conditions like tinnitus, chronic pain, and rheumatism. CBT is applied in various settings, including group and individual settings. A therapist’s approach in each setting might vary.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

The difference between group cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) and individual cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) is one is applied in a group of people experiencing a similar or relatable problem, and the other is adopted to help one individual. Cognitive behavioral group therapy utilizes a community setting to address particular interventions. The community setting works as a support group to educate members on various techniques to improve and bolster cognition, relational skills, and problematic behaviors. G-CBT is preferred when a person seeks a support system in the healing process. The therapist engages individuals within the group to reduce the pressure of recognizing negative behavioral and thought patterns (Guo et al., 2021). The therapist has set ground rules that require members to respect one another and ensure the information shared remains confidential. Basic G-CBT principles include normalization via group identity, collaborative therapeutic relationships, vicarious learning and positive reinforcement, in-vivo exposure, and cognitive restructuring using behavioral experiments (Guo et al., 2021). Generally, G-CBT can be preferred to I-CBT because it provides more opportunities for reinforcement, social situations exposure, social support, positive peer modelling, and normalization.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Individual therapy is more person-oriented as a therapist works to help an individual improve their cognitive and eliminate or improve problematic behaviors. The goal is to help individuals while addressing their personal goals and interest. It allows a therapist to offer a more personalized treatment (Guo et al., 2021). The treatment plan is tailored, and individuals are primarily in control of their progress. The interventions can be adjusted to fit what is working for the client and their preferences. Individual CBT offers more privacy protection, and one-on-one attention allows the therapist to understand the client in depth. The level of treatment and engagement is more intensive and comprehensive compared to G-CBT. The therapist can speed or slow the pace of therapy depending on a client’s needs.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Group therapy, though effective, presents several challenges that might negatively impact the progress of therapy. Common challenges a PMHNPs can experience in group settings include broken boundaries, considering that people come from different backgrounds and have varying experiences and attitudes towards privacy, confidentiality, respect, and trust. In different circumstances, not everyone can be in agreement with a particular issue and disagreements or conflicting personalities can lead to a breach of trust and confidentiality (Shay, 2021). It is hard to prevent information leakage. Another issue is linked to fears and vulnerabilities. Some people might be uncomfortable talking about personal issues or themselves among people, especially experiences that make people feel guilt and shame. Awkwardness is common in group settings (Shay, 2021). PMHNPs can struggle to deal with unexpressed feelings, and it takes a lot of convincing and trust-building before people express themselves honestly.    (COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Review of Sources

Shay (2021) addresses the challenges therapists face in group therapy settings. This study is scholarly as it was written by Joseph Shay from the Harvard School of Medicine. The study is also peer-reviewed. David et al. (2018) discuss cognitive behavioral therapy. This study is scholarly as it was written by Daniel David, affiliated to the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Romania and Department of Population Health Sciences and Policy at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States. Co-writers include Ioana Cristea and Stefan G. Hofmann affiliated to Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Romania and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States, respectively. Guo et al. (2021) compare individual and group CBT. The study is scholarly because it was written by Tingting Guo, Jing Su, Jiayi Hu, and Xinyu Zhou, affiliated to Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China, Marianne Aalberg, affiliated to Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway, Yinglin Zhu, affiliated to School of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Joplin, MO, United States, and Teng Teng, affiliated to Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

References

David, D., Cristea, I., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is the Current Gold Standard of Psychotherapy. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Guo, T., Su, J., Hu, J., Aalberg, M., Zhu, Y., Teng, T., & Zhou, X. (2021). Individual vs. Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 674267. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.674267(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Shay, J. J. (2021). Terrified of group therapy: investigating obstacles to entering or leading groups. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 74(2), 71-75.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

FAQs

Can CBT be used in a group setting?

Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effectively used in a group setting. Group CBT involves a therapist leading a small group of individuals with similar concerns through structured sessions that focus on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. Group CBT offers the benefits of peer support, shared experiences, and diverse perspectives, while still teaching individuals practical skills to manage their emotions and improve their mental well-being. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver CBT to multiple participants simultaneously.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

How is CBT use in family settings?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used in family settings to address interpersonal conflicts and improve communication. Family CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors within the family dynamic, aiming to promote healthier interactions and relationships. Therapists help family members understand how their thoughts influence their feelings and actions, encouraging them to develop more constructive ways of thinking and problem-solving. Family CBT sessions typically involve collaborative discussions, skill-building exercises, and role-playing to enhance understanding, empathy, and effective communication among family members.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Is cognitive behavioral therapy individual or group?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be conducted in both individual and group settings. In individual CBT, a therapist works one-on-one with a client to identify and address thought patterns and behaviors. Group CBT involves a therapist leading a small group of individuals who work together to learn and practice CBT techniques, often benefiting from shared experiences and support. The choice between individual and group CBT depends on the individual’s preferences, needs, and the therapist’s assessment of what would be most effective for their specific situation.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)

Is group or individual CBT more effective?

Both group and individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have their own advantages and can be effective depending on individual preferences and needs. Individual CBT offers personalized attention, focusing deeply on individualized concerns and tailoring interventions accordingly. Group CBT, on the other hand, can provide a sense of shared experience, promote social support, and offer diverse perspectives. The effectiveness of either approach varies based on the nature of the issues being addressed and the preferences of the person seeking therapy.(COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE)