Chapter 10 Cognitive Therapy & Chapter 11 Reality Therapy

Chapter 10 – Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy (CT) is a type of psychotherapy developed by American psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck. CT is one of the therapeutic approaches within the larger group of cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) and was first expounded by Beck in the 1960s. Cognitive therapy is based on the cognitive model, which states that thoughts, feelings and behavior are all connected, and that individuals can move toward overcoming difficulties and meeting their goals by identifying and changing unhelpful or inaccurate thinking, problematic behavior, and distressing emotional responses.

How it relates to CSA: Although I am not a certified counselor, to some students who begin to build relationships with me, I might be viewed as a counselor to them. In accepting this role, it is important for me to help the student identify why they might be experiencing negative thoughts that are unhelpful to their success. It might be a roommate issue, or an issue that arises from home. No matter what the issue might be, it is important to address the behavior, and figure out ways to control it. Along with this, it is important to reassure the student that although it might be stressful and this is a time of transition it will get better and having open communication of how they are thinking and feeling is what will benefit the student most.

Video: Cognitive: The counselor talks about cognitive being your thoughts and feelings. He talks about what is guiding the client, he is thinking about specific ways he views himself, the world, and other people. Specific ways in which he views alcohol. The biggest view is a “drifter” he thinks that as someone who can’t stay still. The issues that come to mind for the counselor is that the client works hard to escape problems and has a hard time committing. The client’s strategy is to try and escape (through alcohol and drugs). This pertains to college students as well who might present a drinking problem, if they are struggling in class they drink during the week and on the weekends to escape that problem.

Chapter 11- Reality Therapy

Reality therapy, developed by Dr. William Glasser, is founded on the principles of choice theory and has developed into a widely popular and recognized therapy form. Professionals in education, mental health, social services, and even parents have embraced the fundamentals of this therapy. Reality Therapy suggests that all human issues derive from a lack of fulfilling relationships with others. The goal of this therapy is to provide a connection for people, beginning with the therapist-client connection.

How it relates to CSA:When meeting with students, the degree of relationships will vary drastically. There may be students who just meet to go over grades, and then there will be students who disclose their entire life story to you the first time you meet. A student might come in to my office and will disclose that they are having trouble with their roommates, or with making friends. That they have a close-knit group of friends from home, and they have not found that at college. Reality therapy is an effective way to help the student realize that there are ways to ‘put yourself out there’ and to become engaged. As student affairs professionals we have many connections on campus, and many resources. So in order to help a student it would be important for us to tell them about activities and events. They might not get along great with their roommate, but there will be other student on their floor or in their classes that they will be able to connect with, it might just take some time.

Video: Reality Therapy: In the video the client talks about a high school reunion and how some people are out of shape and balding. The counselor wants the client to work on capitalize on the determination and spreading it, to add on to it. And the client says if he could feel larger than life on a daily basis that it would be great. The client talks about having his masters and that it is one less obstacle to deal with. I feel that this relates to reality therapy because the client is ultimately is lacking the fulfillment of relationships around him. That he is also trying to figure out what he wants to do, but still has not completed.