This document summarizes key aspects of cognitive therapy as described in Aaron Beck's book "Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders". It discusses Beck's view that cognitive therapy focuses on clients' conscious thoughts and beliefs rather than underlying meanings. Automatic thoughts are identified and analyzed to understand emotional disorders. While the approach seems simplistic, it empowers clients and enhances the therapeutic alliance. However, cognitive therapy may not be suitable for those with personality disorders or lack of introspection. The document concludes that Beck's approach provides a practical and valid framework for cognitive therapy.

1. RUNNING HEAD: COGNITIVE THERAPY AND EMOTIONAL DISORDERS 1
PSY 5103 General Counseling Theories and Techniques
Final Paper
Cognitive Therapy and Emotional Disorders
Prepared for
Dr. Rose Vassell
Associate Professor of Psychology
By
Garland Anderson
Palm Beach Atlantic University
December 02, 2014

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Abstract
Reading this original work was invigorating, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Assuming what others
write about him as a distillation of his beliefs is irresponsible. His thought process and purpose
are defining and foundational. It was much like reading someone’s personal journal in some
respects. Digesting this philosophy enhances my confidence and direction in the counseling
profession. The text seems more grounded than other psychological text I have read, it should be
required reading for those using cognitive therapy or CBT. Beck’s stance is more practical than
philosophical, detailing several real life examples to describe his findings. He believed that
cognitive therapy brings the treatment of emotional disorders to a client’s everyday experiences
(Beck, 1984). I would suggest that his approach be used with a fairly healthy population due to
the heavy use of introspection. Those with personality disorders are probably a no-go for this
theory.

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Why use Cognitive Therapy?
From the beginning the cognitive approach is an effort to make up for the shortcomings
of other theories. I do agree with Beck that rich information offered by the client in the conscious
realm is lost by most therapists. A driving force behind this approach is the use of common sense
in the here and now, not exposing underlying meaning, but focusing on what the client gives
directly. Cultural sensitivity is paramount in our diverse culture and the aforementioned nugget
could be the missing link for many therapists. The contemporaries perpetuate a myth, that the
client can not help themselves, not allowing them to define the problem in their terms (Beck,
1984). The theories that perpetuate this dilemma cause a dependent relationship which can slow
the healing process.
Beck gives an example of a depressed mother intending to end her life and those of her
children. Now this is shocking to think about and we have seen several do just that in the past.
But, if we can record and analyze the feelings of inadequacy and incapability, we can begin to
formulate a plan to help her (Beck, 1984). I understand one of the goals of CBT is to mine out
the strengths of a client, minimizing the negative and moving in a more purposeful way.
Although I understand the CBT model, the text fleshes out the connection between all
aspects. Take for instance the lack of internal and external congruency giving way to
psychological disorders (Beck, 1984). He explains that those having turmoil with their external
input and internal thought life, twist their internal senses to cope with the problem, causing
mental disorders. I feel this is quite simplistic but can assuredly explain the emotional state of
some if not most clients. Again the approach looks at the situation in a healthier manner, does
not label the client but tries to understand the internal enmity that is causing the problem.

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He noticed that during his initial meetings with patients they would display anxiety or
other related responses in reference to him that were characteristic of their behavior outside of
session. These thoughts were not specific to a situation but were a lens that colored their world,
helping the therapist understand the client’s coping skills and behavior in a more logical way
(Beck, 1984). “By tuning in to the intercom” therapist can develop a more complete definition of
the client’s problem (Beck, 1984, p. 33).
The most critical step in gaining this information is to train the client to list the
“unreported thoughts” (Beck, 1984, p.33). More importantly this empowers the client to start
becoming their own therapist, fixing themselves. Recording and analyzing the automatic
thoughts, listing all that come along, lays the ground work for productive therapy. Though it may
seem a bit rhetorical, a person’s mood and motivation is enhanced by positive and stymied by
negative expectations (Beck, 1984). So it is not just the event or situation itself but the client’s
expectation, you could say perspective or point of view, gravely effects the outcome. The old
glass half full/half empty analogy explains it well; this aspect has more influence than was
originally thought (Beck, 1984).
In describing further he detailed that we are governed by our own internal rules. In
situations or relationships that support this internal governance the client remains in a state of
bliss. But if our rules are broken either by ourselves or others, guilt, anger, shame and a myriad
of other responses are soon to follow. Something else that stood out was that several people
experiencing the same thing react differently (Beck, 1984). Why? Their internal compass dictates
how they react automatically and although some reactions may be out of the norm, they are
normal for the person involved. These responses hold the truth according to the client and can
help the therapist analyze their problems more effectively.

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Emotions and more importantly the meaning behind them are of paramount importance in
cognitive therapy. The client’s explanation of ideas, feeling, and expectations should all be taken
at face value for they give the basic foundation for the model. Unlike other theories, cognitive
therapy is not looking of hidden meanings but what the client states as the purpose for behavior
and feelings. This is quite refreshing though this approach is not a cure for all clients. A client
placing incorrect meaning on external stimuli causes her to act in a way that is maladaptive, or
outside the norm. It is not incorrect information but the incorrect meaning being placed on the
situation that causes the issue (Beck, 1984).
Beck’s treatment of internal vs. external communication and meaning is thought
provoking. In many ways I can agree with his interpretation of what is happening inside of us all.
Though the concept seems a bit sophomoric it has several strong points. If the client is being
truthful and accurately representing his feelings, the therapist will surely be able to develop a
productive plan. I also believe its simplicity helps develop a strong working alliance because it is
void of the psychobabble of other theories. On the other hand, those with personality disorders
or those who are outright dishonest about their true feeling can mislead the therapist. Also those
with a lack of introspection would be lost to this theory.
The link between cognition and physical ailments; psychosomatic and hysteria disorders
is interesting. We have all been touched by someone in our circle that was affected by this type
of disorder. Again, as explained earlier, the link between thoughts and behavior has been shown
to give false physical presentation. This fact alone showcases the powerful link between the parts
of our being; mind, body and soul. Calling these types of disorders “imaginary” he describes a
connection that has characteristically stumped psychiatrist (Beck, 1984, p. 187).

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If there were a con to this text it would be its dogmatic leaning. Beck was not eclectic and
outright refuted behaviorists, psychoanalysts and psychiatrists (Beck, 1984). He explains that
other schools of thought do not appreciate or analyze the conscious layer of patients’ issues,
which holds the basis for the cognitive model. Psychoanalysis disregards conscious thoughts as a
disguised representation of unconscious turmoil causing the problems, alienating the client
(Beck, 1984).
The natural approach detailed in the text should be required reading for those using
cognitive therapy or CBT. The framework is indisputable for its validity and adds bones to
cognitive theory. Even though I am just beginning my journey as a therapist, the text gives me
confidence that I have a tool to use that is easily understandable to me and my clients. Care
should be used when employing this theory with patients experiencing personality disorders.
Cognitive therapy can stand alone as a sole philosophy but I believe it can easily be used in
conjunction with other theories. Beck’s common sense, grounded approach is the most profound
aspect of this theory. I also believe it flows well with Christian principles and I can not find any
shortcomings. Overall I believe this is an excellent title that I intend to add to my personal
library.

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References
Beck, A.T. (1984). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York: International
Universities Press, Inc.