Core CBT Components

Abstract

Chapter 6 describes two core components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): behavioral activation and cognitive restructuring. These two components are viewed as first-line interventions for depression and mood disturbances. Chapter 6 begins by describing behavioral activation and walking practitioners through each step of the intervention process. It describes how practitioners can assist clients to identify their values, monitor their activities, and build behavioral activation hierarchies to address demotivation, anhedonia, and maladaptive thoughts. The second part of the chapter discusses cognitive restructuring, whereby children and adolescents learn how to evaluate evidence for their thoughts, create thought records, and assess the validity of their thoughts. The efficacy of both techniques is reviewed, as well as progress-monitoring strategies.