Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Edexcel
A level Psychology
How often are the sessions? - correct answer Once a week or once every two weeks
Length of the sessions - correct answer Between 30-60 minutes, usually between 5-20 sessions
How can issues be broken down? - correct answer Into thoughts, physical feelings and actions by
working with the therapist
What happens in the sessions? - correct answer Analyse the areas broken down to see if they're
unrealistic or unhelpful and determine their effect on you, then work out how to change the unhelpful
thoughts and behaviours
Negative thought patterns in depressed people - correct answer Catastrophising, emotional reasoning,
should statements
Homework in CBT - correct answer Clients may be told to do things at home like carrying out a task, this
may help reduce their depression
What does CBT aim to do? - correct answer Challenge a clients maladaptive thoughts that have led to
depression
They then may be taught how to notice when they are thinking maladaptive thoughts
Strengths of CBT - correct answer Widely tested and empirical evidence to support
No side effects so more ethical than drug therapy
Aims to give clients tools to reduce their depression so the clients can use these tools for the future
Butler et al (2006) meta analysis of CBT - correct answer Found CBT was more effective than anti-
depressants in treating depression, large data range covered
A level Psychology
How often are the sessions? - correct answer Once a week or once every two weeks
Length of the sessions - correct answer Between 30-60 minutes, usually between 5-20 sessions
How can issues be broken down? - correct answer Into thoughts, physical feelings and actions by
working with the therapist
What happens in the sessions? - correct answer Analyse the areas broken down to see if they're
unrealistic or unhelpful and determine their effect on you, then work out how to change the unhelpful
thoughts and behaviours
Negative thought patterns in depressed people - correct answer Catastrophising, emotional reasoning,
should statements
Homework in CBT - correct answer Clients may be told to do things at home like carrying out a task, this
may help reduce their depression
What does CBT aim to do? - correct answer Challenge a clients maladaptive thoughts that have led to
depression
They then may be taught how to notice when they are thinking maladaptive thoughts
Strengths of CBT - correct answer Widely tested and empirical evidence to support
No side effects so more ethical than drug therapy
Aims to give clients tools to reduce their depression so the clients can use these tools for the future
Butler et al (2006) meta analysis of CBT - correct answer Found CBT was more effective than anti-
depressants in treating depression, large data range covered
