, PYC4809 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026 ANSWERS - DUE DATE 21 JULY 2026
SECTION A
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a Therapeutic Approach
1.1 Introduction
Psychotherapy comprises various therapeutic approaches that aim to help individuals
overcome psychological, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. One of the most widely
recognised and scientifically supported approaches is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Developed by Aaron T. Beck during the 1960s, CBT is a structured, goal-oriented, and
evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions,
and behaviours. The fundamental assumption of CBT is that people's interpretations of
events, rather than the events themselves, largely determine how they feel and behave.
Consequently, by identifying and modifying maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviours,
individuals can improve their emotional well-being and develop healthier coping strategies
(Beck, 2021).
This discussion briefly describes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy by examining its theoretical
foundations, key principles, techniques, applications, strengths, and limitations.
1.2 Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was developed by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck after observing
that individuals experiencing depression frequently reported persistent negative automatic
thoughts. Beck proposed that these thoughts influenced emotional distress and maladaptive
behaviours. This observation led to the development of the cognitive model, which suggests
that distorted beliefs and dysfunctional thinking patterns contribute significantly to
psychological disorders (Beck, 2021).
CBT integrates concepts from both cognitive psychology and behavioural psychology. The
cognitive component focuses on changing irrational thoughts and beliefs, while the
SECTION A
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a Therapeutic Approach
1.1 Introduction
Psychotherapy comprises various therapeutic approaches that aim to help individuals
overcome psychological, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. One of the most widely
recognised and scientifically supported approaches is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Developed by Aaron T. Beck during the 1960s, CBT is a structured, goal-oriented, and
evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions,
and behaviours. The fundamental assumption of CBT is that people's interpretations of
events, rather than the events themselves, largely determine how they feel and behave.
Consequently, by identifying and modifying maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviours,
individuals can improve their emotional well-being and develop healthier coping strategies
(Beck, 2021).
This discussion briefly describes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy by examining its theoretical
foundations, key principles, techniques, applications, strengths, and limitations.
1.2 Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was developed by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck after observing
that individuals experiencing depression frequently reported persistent negative automatic
thoughts. Beck proposed that these thoughts influenced emotional distress and maladaptive
behaviours. This observation led to the development of the cognitive model, which suggests
that distorted beliefs and dysfunctional thinking patterns contribute significantly to
psychological disorders (Beck, 2021).
CBT integrates concepts from both cognitive psychology and behavioural psychology. The
cognitive component focuses on changing irrational thoughts and beliefs, while the
