COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL THERAPIES

Question

Comparative Analysis of:

Cognitive and Behavior Theories/ Therapies 

This assignment gives students an opportunity to examine the theoretical and historical

foundations of cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy, and to compare and contrast these

two approaches and their relevance to clinical social work practice.

The narrative should address:

 Historical/philosophical origins of each therapy.

 Major contributors to the development and application of each therapy.

 Main branches of each therapy.

 Fundamental principle and key theoretical assumptions of each approach.

 Major concepts associated with each approach.

 Strengths and limitations of each therapy.

 Similarities and differences between the two therapies.

This is a 4-5page, double-spaced paper written in narrative form (no bullet points), with

proper syntax and grammar and complies with the writing guidelines outlined in

the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6 th  edition, 2010). This

includes proper formatting of margins, headings and subheadings, references, citations,

and quotations. The page length does not include the title page, reference list, or any

appendices. The paper should reflect the student’s own ideas and understanding of the

subject matter supported with appropriate citations throughout the text. Although you

may use quotations, these should be used sparingly and judiciously only when absolutely

necessary to state your point. Please know that excessive use of quotations throughout

the narrative does not necessarily reflect your own understanding of the subject matter

and will result in a lowering of the grade. For references you may use the assigned

readings in the class syllabus or any other material from legitimate academic/scholarly

sources.

However, a minimum of three (3) of your references must be journal articles from

scholarly sources (i.e. peer reviewed journals).

You are expected to use citations throughout the paper. The grade will be based on the

accuracy, depth and breadth of your narrative, and your ability to express your ideas

succinctly with precision and clarity.

Organize the paper into five general sections (with proper headings and subheadings)

including:

1. The fundamental principles and key propositions/theoretical assumptions that

underscore cognitive and behavioral models of practice and the main branches

of each therapy.    (20 points).

2. Discuss the origins of each approach including historical and philosophical

influences and the major figures in the field of cognitive and behavior therapies.

                                    (15 points).

3. Similarities and differences between cognitive and behavioral therapies.

1. Compare/contrast the theoretical principles and assumptions;

perspectives on target of investigation, the process of change,

temporal issues, focus on the past vs. present, roles of therapist and

client, and other areas that you would deem to be important.  (20

points).

4. Provide a discussion of what you understand to be the differences between the

following concepts. Provide examples to illustrate your discussion.                          

                    (20 points).

1. Core beliefs vs. automatic thoughts.

2. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment.

5. Strengths and limitations of each approach.

1. For this section consider issues of empirical support, diversity,

suitability (or lack of) for various populations and

disorders.                                                               (15 points).

The paper must conform to the writing guidelines of the American Psychological Association

Publication Manual (6 th  ed.) and include a reference page with information on the sources

that you selected, proper formatting of in-text citations or quotations, spelling, syntax,

and headings and subheadings.   (10 points).