Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive Therapy, also known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and closely allied with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), are psychological approaches used by some psychologists and other mental health professionals to treat a wide range of psychological problems and disorders.
Developed in the 1950’s by a medical doctor, Aaron Beck , cognitive therapy is a departure from Freudian psychoanalysis where patients laid on a therapist’s coach for years going over details of their early childhood, unconscious processes and dreams as the analyst analyzed and interpreted these things for the patient. It is also quite different from the non-directive counseling approach developed by Carl Rogers where the patient talked and the therapist primarily just listened and occasionally reflected back what the patient had said or clarified what they had just said.
In cognitive therapy, the focus is much more on the present and how the client’s thoughts effect their mood and behavior. The past, while interesting, is less important than correcting negative thinking styles regardless off how they were acquired. Clients are helped to understand the connection between things that happen to them and how they choose to think about it.
In cognitive therapy, clients are given tools to understand and manage their emotions by examining, challenging and changing unwanted thoughts and replacing them with healthier ways of looking at events and situations. These methods help clients not only to feel better but to get better and stay that way for long periods of time.
A course of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is relatively short term. Many issues are resolved between 12-20 visits. Some courses of CBT may be shorter and others longer depending on a host of factors, not the least of which is the training and experience of the psychologist or therapist. An effective CBT therapist requires advanced training and supervision beyond their degree and basic license.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, founded by psychologist, Dr. Albert Ellis just a few years earlier than CBT is considered a form of CBT by many. It places an even greater emphasis on recognizing and changing the underlying core beliefs that give rise to negative thoughts in the first place.
Boca Raton psychologist, Dr. Robert Heller was fortunate enough to have trained with Dr. Ellis as a post doctoral fellow at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in New York from 1980-81. He is a certified fellow and supervisor of the Institute and trains other therapists in the approach. Dr. Heller is also one of a relatively few number of psychologists who have earned the diplomate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy , awarded by the American Board of Professional Psychology, as an indication of having achieved the highest level of competence in the field. An experienced and compassionate psychologist, Dr. Heller has helped hundreds of individuals of all ages and issues live happier, healthier and more productive lives.