Bookcorey G 2017 Theory And Practice Of Counseling And Psych

Bookcorey G 2017theory And Practice Of Counseling And Psychothera

Instructions: The assignment involves three parts. Part I requires identifying a personal dysfunctional thought, recording it over at least three days using a provided CBT thought record, and reflecting on the experience. Part II involves practicing Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and writing about the experience. Part III entails analyzing therapy methods used in sessions described by Corey, comparing traditional behavior therapy with contemporary CBT, and reflecting on personal reactions. The final paper should be 3 to 4 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, excluding cover and reference pages.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of engaging in personal cognitive-behavioral activities and analyzing therapy methods enhances understanding of therapeutic techniques and their application. This paper documents my personal experience with the cognitive, relaxation, and analytical exercises outlined in the assignment, providing insights into their utility, challenges, and personal impact.

Part I: Personal Experience with the CBT Thought Record

My dysfunctional thought centered on the belief that I am incapable of effectively managing my workload during stressful periods. During this period, I recorded my thoughts over three days using the prescribed thought record. Initially, I noticed that when faced with multiple deadlines, I would often think, "I can't handle all of this; I am going to fail." The emotions accompanying this thought ranged from anxiety to hopelessness. I observed that supporting evidence included my recent experiences of feeling overwhelmed and past instances where I struggled to meet deadlines. Conversely, evidence refuting this thought consisted of my previous successes in managing tasks and seeking help when necessary. A healthier alternative thought I formulated was, "I can prioritize my tasks and seek support to manage this workload effectively." This new thought fostered a sense of empowerment and reduced anxiety, making me feel more confident and in control.

Reflecting on this exercise, I found it both challenging and insightful. It was somewhat difficult to consistently record my thoughts and feelings but was enlightening as I became more aware of negative thought patterns. Over the course of the three days, I noticed a slight decrease in the intensity of my distress when encountering overwhelming situations, indicating that this activity can promote cognitive restructuring. The strengths of this activity include fostering self-awareness, promoting healthier thinking patterns, and providing therapists with a clear view of clients’ automatic thoughts, thereby aiding targeted interventions. However, setbacks include the potential burden of consistent monitoring, which might be overwhelming for some clients. Traits like low motivation, difficulty with introspection, or cognitive impairments could hinder the effectiveness of this activity in therapy.

Part II: Experience with Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Practicing PMR involved following a YouTube guided session in a quiet, comfortable environment. Initially, I found it somewhat challenging to fully relax and follow along, especially when trying to focus solely on bodily sensations. As I progressed, I noticed a gradual decrease in muscle tension, and my overall sense of relaxation increased. Turning off transient thoughts was difficult at first; my mind frequently wandered, highlighting the challenge of maintaining focus during relaxation exercises. Sensations I experienced included a warm, tingling feeling in my extremities and a general sense of calmness spreading through my body. The experience underscored the importance of patience and practice in developing effective relaxation skills, and I recognized how regular practice could be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety.

Part III: Comparing Traditional Behavior Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Corey’s Sessions with Stan

In Corey’s exposition of therapy methods with Stan, traditional behavior therapy techniques such as systematic desensitization and reinforcement are utilized alongside cognitive-behavioral strategies that target maladaptive thoughts. Both approaches aim to modify behavior and thought patterns, but they differ in emphasis and methodology. Traditional behavior therapy primarily focuses on observable behaviors and uses techniques like stimuli control and reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors. In contrast, CBT integrates cognitive restructuring, challenging dysfunctional thoughts while influencing behavior. Observing both sessions, I felt that the behavioral approach appeared more straightforward, focusing on tangible changes, while CBT required deeper introspection and self-awareness. Personally, I resonated with the CBT approach because it emphasizes understanding internal thought processes, which seems crucial for sustainable change. The combination of these methods in therapy offers a comprehensive approach, addressing both external behaviors and internal thought patterns, fostering greater change and resilience.

This analytical exercise highlighted the complementary nature of traditional behavior techniques and modern cognitive strategies. The behavioral methods are effective in establishing new patterns of behavior, especially in phobias and habits, while CBT's focus on cognition supports long-term cognitive restructuring. Understanding how these methods are integrated provides a fuller picture of contemporary therapy and underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to individual client needs.

In conclusion, engaging personally with CBT thought records and relaxation exercises has enhanced my appreciation for the nuanced processes involved in therapy. Analyzing Corey’s dual-method sessions deepened my understanding of how therapeutic techniques complement each other. Together, these activities demonstrate that effective therapy often involves a combination of behavioral and cognitive strategies, fostering meaningful and lasting change.

References

• Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I.J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
• McLeod, J. (2013). An Introduction to Counseling. Open University Press.
• Yardley, L. (2017). Demonstrating the Value of Qualitative Research. The British Journal of Social Work, 47(4), 1051-1067.
• Öst, L.-G. (1989). One-session treatment for specific phobias. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 27(1), 1-7.
• Hoffman, S. G., & Smits, J. A. J. (2008). Exercise for anxiety: A systematic review. CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 7(2), 106-120.
• Meichenbaum, D. (2017). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Stress Management. Springer Publishing.
• Rothbaum, B. O., & Schwartz, A. (1999). Exposure Therapy for Phobias. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 55(12), 1533-1552.
• Wolpe, J. (1958). Psychotherapy by Reciprocal Inhibition. Stanford University Press.