Cognitive
Therapy is a focused, problem-solving psychotherapy that was developed by Aaron T. Beck, M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. It has been shown
in over 400 outcome studies to be highly effective for the treatment of
many mental health problems such as depression, general anxiety
disorders, panic, anger and marital distress. It has also been shown to
be effective in the treatment of medical conditions.
The therapist and client work together as a team to identify and solve
problems, and therapists help clients to overcome their difficulties
through changing their thinking, behavior, and emotional response.
As Time Magazine wrote, Cognitive Therapy is "… quick,
practical, goal oriented." It involves three primary activities: a)
Education, b) Skill Building, and c) Problem Solving. During treatment,
the client actively applies strategies learned to the problems which
brought them to therapy. If indicated, Cognitive Therapy is also
compatible with the use of prescribed medication.
