Maxine Spalding PYC4809
Student Number: 57708754 Unique Number: 646427
Name: Maxine Spalding
Student Number: 57708754
Module: PYC4809
Unique Number: 646427
1
, Maxine Spalding PYC4809
Student Number: 57708754 Unique Number: 646427
Section A:
1. Briefly describe a therapeutic approach of your choice - Cognitive Based
Therapy
Introduction
The therapeutic approach of my choice and one which was most relevant during my
time volunteering was a cognitive behavioural approach called cognitive behavioural
therapy. My time working with autistic children has shown me that therapy is vital but
the majority of the population are unable to afford lengthy and expensive therapy
sessions. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a therapy that can be applied in a group or
individual context over a relatively short period of time and is therefore suitable for not
only autistic children, but much of South Africa too.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
(Corey, Nicholas, & Bawa, 2021) defined cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as “an
approach and set of procedures that attempts to change feelings and behaviour by
modifying faulty thinking and believing.” This means that it is assumed that beliefs,
behaviours, emotions and physical reactions are interlinked and what we think and do
affects how we feel. Therefore negative thoughts and feelings can trap one in a vicious
cycle. CBT is an evidence-based therapy as it has been proven to be more effective
(David, Cristea, & Hofman, 2018) than other therapies for a range of problems
including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital
problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. (Psychology, 2017)
History of Cognitive Based Therapy
The evolution of CBT can be traced back to 1913 when behaviourist, John B. Watson,
laid the foundations for future advancements. Another behaviourist, BF Skinner,
conditioning theories also played an influence on the development of CBT.
In 1950, Albert Ellis developed rational emotive behavioural therapy (REBT) which
aimed to help patients identify irrational thoughts and encourage rational ones. This
therapy thought to give patients a more rational view of the world and their place in it.
During the 1960’s Dr Aaron T. Beck completed experiments on psychoanalytic
concepts which yielded surprising results. What he found was that in depressed
2
Student Number: 57708754 Unique Number: 646427
Name: Maxine Spalding
Student Number: 57708754
Module: PYC4809
Unique Number: 646427
1
, Maxine Spalding PYC4809
Student Number: 57708754 Unique Number: 646427
Section A:
1. Briefly describe a therapeutic approach of your choice - Cognitive Based
Therapy
Introduction
The therapeutic approach of my choice and one which was most relevant during my
time volunteering was a cognitive behavioural approach called cognitive behavioural
therapy. My time working with autistic children has shown me that therapy is vital but
the majority of the population are unable to afford lengthy and expensive therapy
sessions. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a therapy that can be applied in a group or
individual context over a relatively short period of time and is therefore suitable for not
only autistic children, but much of South Africa too.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
(Corey, Nicholas, & Bawa, 2021) defined cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as “an
approach and set of procedures that attempts to change feelings and behaviour by
modifying faulty thinking and believing.” This means that it is assumed that beliefs,
behaviours, emotions and physical reactions are interlinked and what we think and do
affects how we feel. Therefore negative thoughts and feelings can trap one in a vicious
cycle. CBT is an evidence-based therapy as it has been proven to be more effective
(David, Cristea, & Hofman, 2018) than other therapies for a range of problems
including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital
problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. (Psychology, 2017)
History of Cognitive Based Therapy
The evolution of CBT can be traced back to 1913 when behaviourist, John B. Watson,
laid the foundations for future advancements. Another behaviourist, BF Skinner,
conditioning theories also played an influence on the development of CBT.
In 1950, Albert Ellis developed rational emotive behavioural therapy (REBT) which
aimed to help patients identify irrational thoughts and encourage rational ones. This
therapy thought to give patients a more rational view of the world and their place in it.
During the 1960’s Dr Aaron T. Beck completed experiments on psychoanalytic
concepts which yielded surprising results. What he found was that in depressed
2
