Post an explanation of how the use of CBT in families compares to CBT in individual settings. Provide specific examples from your own practicum experiences. Then, explain challenges counselors might encounter when using CBT in the family setting. Support your position with specific examples from this week’s media.
Week 5 Discussion Post
It is essential for Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to select the best
psychotherapy approach when taking care of mental health population. This discussion paper
focuses on the psychotherapy that resonates with the therapist, explaining how use of cognitive
behavioral therapy in families compares to cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals. Also,
focusing on the challenges a counselor might encounter when using cognitive behavioral therapy.
How the Use of CBT in Families Compares to CBT in Individual Settings
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative process between therapist and the
client that involves reality testing investigation, problems solving and developing new behaviors
by adjusting through therapy process (Dobson & Dobson, 2018). Also, CBT approach helps
clients with a wide range of psychiatry disorders that need coping skills improved. The approach
also helps clients become aware of their cognitive distortive and negative behavior in a
structured session, as well as set measurable goals to monitor progress (Wheeler, 2014).
The use of CBT approach in family and individual is relatively effective but each offer
different advantages and disadvantages. Family therapy sessions help family members learn
better ways to communicate their feelings which leads to improved stronger family bond. The
family therapy approach helps the family members understand the individual problem that
affects the whole family. For instance, A.J is a 17-year-old male client who was brought in by his
family because he has battling with depression and he felt that his family members are not
understanding his mental health issues. Since the family therapy started has helped the family
This study source was downloaded by 100000801843586 from CourseHero.com on 12-18-2022 21:35:50 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/76033190/week-5-discussion-didaticsdocx/
learn about their strengths and weaknesses, they have learned about depression disease process,
and how to deal with the pharmacological and psychotherapy treatment. Another advantage of
CBT in family is that it is cost effective because family cost share (Olmstead et al., 2019). The
cons of family counselling are when relevant family member fails to attend sessions.
On the other hand, CBT on individual family gives greater flexibility to define and
address change in targeted problem and it is customized to suit the patient’s needs. There is also
flexibility in scheduling, frequency, and duration of the therapy sessions. Further, clients are
more confident in talking about their personal life especially mental challenges (American
Addiction Centers, 2019). Due to the focused individualized therapeutic experience the client is
able to gain more insight on the mental health issue and feeling of empowerment. Individual
therapy also increases individual’s awareness through mindfulness, enhancing communication
skills, and health coping skills.
Also, individual CBT therapy makes clients less anxious during the sessions than when in
a group or setup. For example, client B.B. came for therapy presenting with increased anxiety.
His heartrate was, nervousness, and restless. The therapist used CBT and the client was able to
do deep breathing, challenge his thoughts, and think through which helped him calm down. He
continued with the coping skills and in the next visit he was much calmer and less anxious. He
reported more confident that the therapy was focused on him and the mental health issue.
Although individual therapy is more effective it can also be costly (Olmstead et al., 2019).
Challenges therapists might face when using CBT in family Settings
CBT therapy in family settings can be challenging due to lack of privacy especially to the
client discussing his/her issues. Lack confidence and openness hinders treatment due to the fear
of expressing true feelings (Agazarian & Peters, 2018). Since in family therapy uncomfortable
This study source was downloaded by 100000801843586 from CourseHero.com on 12-18-2022 21:35:50 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/76033190/week-5-discussion-didaticsdocx/
subjects that affect family unit are discussed, sharing personal issues might cause client
experience re-victimization leading to relapse of the issue or abrupt ending of the session. It is
essential to have rules and boundaries in a group because family sessions can escalate so quickly
according to the topic and age of the client involved. Having rules in place the therapist will be
able to be in control of the situation and the participants will have expectations of mindfulness in
their responses and behaviors. Moreover, lack of family motivation to change can be so
frustrating to the therapist involved. Family play a great role in identifying needs to change and
client’s healing process (Kowlakowsky-Hayner & Stejskal, 2015).
References
Agazarian, Y. M. & Peters, R., (2018). The visible and invisible group. Routledge.
Dobson, D., & Dobson, K. S. (2018). Evidence-based practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Guilford Publications.
Kowlakowsky-Hayner, S. A., & Stejskal, T. M. (2015). Removing barriers to rehabilitation:
Theory-based family intervention in community settings after brain
injury. NeuroRehabilitation, 31(1), 75–83.
Olmstead, T. A., Graff, F. S., Ames-Sikora, A., McCrady, B. S., Gaba, A., & Epstein, E.E.
(2019). Cost-effectiveness of individual versus group female-specific cognitive
behavioral therapy for alcohol use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 100,
1–7. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2019.02.001
This study source was downloaded by 100000801843586 from CourseHero.com on 12-18-2022 21:35:50 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/76033190/week-5-discussion-didaticsdocx/Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
