Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence- based approach to various mental health issues including depression, addiction, anxiety, phobia, stress and anger. The approach may involve a psychology professional in cases of complications such as when children are involved. CBT focuses on changing attitudes and behaviors using scientifically verified strategies. The model attempts to establish the connection between behavioral and emotional patterns, deterring negativity while countering the impacts of such conditions as anxiety and depression (David, Cristea, & Hofmann, 2018). Although the approach is primarily designed for individuals, CBT can also be used in group and family settings to enhance its cost-effectiveness and building interpersonal skills. This case study explores CBT’s effectiveness in groups and family settings, discussing the challenges and recommending strategies to enhance effectiveness.
CBT: Family vs. Group Settings
Family CBT encourages family members and caregivers to understand particular behaviors and emotions and strive to put an end to destructive tendencies. The approach emphasizes that children, caregivers and other family members are intertwined in their thought processes, behaviors and emotions (Bayat et al., 2016). As such, it is important to learn how to communicate and challenge negative patterns when relating to one another. Parents and caregivers must be involved in helping children tackle their fears and manage anxiety in order to provide them with the utmost support. Their presence and encouragement are critical throughout the journey (Bayat et al., 2016). Family-based CBT enables families to learn about efficient problem- solving approaches that are useful in enhancing adaptive coping and combat negative patterns, including withdrawal.
Group therapy attempts to work towards correcting behaviors and emotions for several individuals with similar issues at a go. Behavioral group therapy requires that all individuals append to a confidentiality agreement prior to commencing the treatment (Lazarov et al., 2018). Both family and group therapy aimed at saving time while attending to larger numbers of patients. The approaches allow all the people involved to express themselves and address their issues with a psychology expert, although in the company of other people. These settings enable individuals to encourage and support each other throughout the sessions. The people in both family and group CBT settings get to listen to each other’s ideas about their issues and thus open their minds while setting an example for everyone involved. (Lazarov et al., 2018). In addition, the individuals observe the coping mechanisms for each of the other parties, thus adopting different attitudes and behaviors.
CBT Challenges in Group Settings
Studies have established that Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy faces various challenges both for therapists and individuals. The boldest challenge for both parties is perhaps conflicting personalities among group members or between group members and behavioral therapists. Conflicting personalities are a hindrance to communication during therapy sessions (Lazarov et al., 2018). This is because it often makes it difficult for participants to interact with each other or their therapists, hence hampering the group’s ability to achieve its’ set goals. Confidentiality is also a concern in group settings. Although the individuals agree to a non-disclosure agreement, the possibility of participants disclosing private information is real and destructive. (Lazarov et al., 2018). Only the therapists are professionally bound to maintain confidentiality regarding personal information. Since the treatment takes place with several individuals, it is possible that one of them can release personal information without the approval of the bearer. As a result, some members have difficulties opening up about their issues, reducing the therapeutic approach’s efficacy.
Effective Strategies for Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy
Although Cognitive Behavioral Group therapy has established advantages, the approach can be challenging and draining when the results are disappointing. As such, it is important to ensure effectiveness and cohesion in group settings. Some of the recommended strategies for cognitive-behavioral group therapy include organization, communication, timeliness, constructive feedback, equality, confidentiality and practicability (Habigzang et al., 2016). The organization factor is important since it determines how much the therapy sessions can achieve. Therapists must organize the groups to ensure that the individuals are undergoing similar issues. It is important to select a distinct group leader. Also, the therapy sessions must be consistent and organized at set times to ensure discipline and proper flow. Communication is key if group activities are to take place efficiently. Group leaders are tasked with ensuring that each member is allocated equal time and gives constructive feedback throughout the therapy. Since group members reveal personal information, all individuals must maintain confidentiality (Habigzang et al., 2016). Finally, all the solutions offered must remain practical.
Conclusion
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence based short-term approach towards emotional, mental and behavioral issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions and anger. The approach attempts to transform emotions and behaviors, thus changing negative patterns. Although the approach is traditionally designed for individuals, CBT can be modified to suit family and group settings. Family based behavioral therapy assumes that family members’ actions and behaviors are intertwined. This facilitates understanding among members including children. Group therapy involves bringing individuals with similar issues together to find solutions for all of them at a go. The approach has proved to be cost-effective and efficient as therapists save time and resources. Confidentiality presents a challenge in group settings. Organization is also crucial for effective cognitive-behavioral group therapy sessions.
Thanks,
Almena
References
Bayat, E., Rahimian, I., Talepasand, S., Yousefichaijan, P., & Hamidi, Z. (2016). Effect of
family-based cognitive behavioral therapy in modification of self-image associated with obesity among children. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 26(137), 115-127.
Lazarov, A., Marom, S., Yahalom, N., Pine, D. S., Hermesh, H., & Bar-Haim, Y. (2018).
Attention bias modification augments cognitive–behavioral group therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Psychological medicine, 48(13), 2177.
Habigzang, L. F., de Freitas, C. P. P., Von Hohendorff, J., & Koller, S. H. (2016). Cognitive-
behavioral group therapy for girl victims of sexual violence in Brazil: Are there differences in effectiveness when applied by different groups of psychologists?. Anales de Psicología/Annals of Psychology, 32(2), 433-441.
David, D., Cristea, I., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold
standard of psychotherapy. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 4.
