985-Knowing What Does and Doesn't Work in CBT: Lessons for Counselors

### Video Summary **Title:** A Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Counselors: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why   **Presenter:** Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes   **Link:** [Watch the video](https://youtu.be/tlR6T5jTCkM?si=Jjn2Wicv0EqvXJ-V) --- #### Introduction - Explanation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Importance of CBT and its impact on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors - Overview of the session's structure: what CBT is, what works, what doesn’t, and why #### Understanding CBT - CBT focuses on the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors - Cognitive schemas: mental shortcuts based on past experiences - Importance of checking and updating schemas as they may not always be accurate #### Effects of Stress on the Brain - Persistent stress impacts brain structure and function - Weakens the vagus nerve, which affects the body's relaxation response - Causes changes in the nervous system, impacting sleep and circadian rhythms #### What Doesn’t Work in CBT - Jumping into cognitive processing without establishing rapport, safety, and empowerment - Aggressive confrontation of beliefs and behaviors - Failing to address all three points of the CBT triangle: thoughts, feelings, and behaviors - Telling instead of exploring, using mechanistic approaches, and not individualizing therapy - Forcing new beliefs or schemas that the client doesn’t believe #### What Works in CBT - Educating clients about the connection between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors - Validating clients' experiences and feelings - Helping clients develop emotional intelligence and distress tolerance - Addressing behaviors that create vulnerabilities - Using a personalized approach to explore and alter unhelpful schemas and beliefs - Maintaining motivation and reinforcing new thoughts and behaviors between sessions #### Application of CBT in Various Disorders - **ADHD**: Developing organizational skills, addressing negative self-referential beliefs, and improving communication - **Mood Disorders**: Identifying behaviors that create vulnerabilities, developing distress tolerance, and empowering clients to address problematic thoughts and behaviors - **Addiction**: Developing mindfulness, reducing vulnerabilities, exploring cognitive distortions, and addressing distress tolerance - **Personality Disorders**: Understanding the underlying thoughts and beliefs, addressing behaviors, and enhancing coping mechanisms - **Schizophrenia**: Joining clients in their reality, reducing stress, and developing safety plans - **Trauma**: Normalizing thoughts and behaviors, developing distress tolerance, and exploring schemas related to trauma #### ABCDEs of CBT - **A**wareness: Recognize thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and their communication - **B**ehaviors: Reduce vulnerabilities and increase safety and empowerment - **C**ognitions and Schema: Explore and restructure based on current and past contexts - **D**istress Tolerance: Develop skills to manage distress - **E**xplore: Explore experiences, beliefs, and coping mechanisms with curiosity --- ### Time Codes for Major Points 01:30 Introduction to CBT and its importance 08:15 Effects of stress on the brain and vagus nerve 15:45 Common mistakes in CBT practice 25:30 Effective strategies in CBT 35:00 Application of CBT in ADHD and mood disorders 45:15 Use of CBT in addiction, personality disorders, and schizophrenia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices