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Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. Cognitive-behavioural therapists teach that when our brains are healthy, it is our thinking that causes us to feel and act the way we do. Therefore, if we are experiencing unwanted feelings and behaviours, it is important to identify the thinking that is causing the feelings / behaviours and to learn how to replace this thinking with thoughts that lead to more desirable reactions.
If you remember I was telling you about my friend Jessica. She was a very attractive woman. Why do I say was? Well she’s dead now. Rather tragic too. How? Well I shall deal with that after I tell you about Jessica. She WAS a beautiful woman, some ten years younger than me. How old am I? Thirty-seven. I wish you would not interrupt me, you should know that from your patient notes but I am not here to criticise you but to get better. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes and a figure most models would be proud of. What did she do? You’re doing it again, doctor. Yes I am aware of how Cognitive Behaviour Therapy works thank you. She was a financial adviser and I would prefer if you called her by her name Dr Phelps. That’s better. Now we first met ten years ago when she offered me some financial advice. Jessica was good at her job and we arranged several financial schemes in which to invest my money. How do I feel about money? It is a useful commodity doctor. After our deal was struck I invited Jessica out to dinner. We had a lovely time at the Tai restaurant in the High Street. Do you know the restaurant doctor? I thought you might, as you look like a food connoisseur. No I don’t think that you’re fat doctor. After the meal we went back to my place we and shared several intimate, passionate moments. How do I feel about sex, doctor? I love it. Yes it was good sex and I pleased her greatly. Yes she did come back for more. Many times in fact. When did I relationship start to go wrong? When I found out that Jessica had been sifting off money from my accounts illegally. Nearly ten thousand pounds! How did Jessica do this? She took the money as fraudulent commission. Of course I had to punish her. How? By using one of my special compounds. Jessica had a penchant for fine wines. I gave her several bottles and injected the toxic compound into the wine through the sealed cork. Shall I pour the coffee doctor? Good, I shall be mother then. How do I feel about children? They are distasteful little beasts. I have never wanted children but Jessica did. Yes this did cause some friction but I just told her that I was sterile. When she started to mention sperm donation that’s when I gave her an extra strength bottle. The rest was purely academic. How do I find prison life? It’s ok. Being in an open prison has its advantages. I can get anything I want. I am studying for a Masters degree in chemistry at the moment. I should graduate next year. Would you like another cup of coffee doctor, as you look so tired? No? I think you should. Why don’t you freshen up a little in your rest room whilst I pour the coffee? I will read my notes while you’ve gone."
CBT is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client. Cognitive-behavioural therapists seek to learn what their clients want out of life (their goals) and then help their clients achieve those goals. The therapist's role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the client's roles is to speak, learn, and implement what they learn.
"You look a little better doctor. Shall I tell you my goals in life again? They have changed since completing my homework. I want to be successful, a free man, a better man and a more compassionate man who understands how he feels and that my thoughts do influence my behaviour. Why do I want to be successful? Isn’t that what all people want? Plenty of money, friends and influence? To read the rest of this story send me an email...
13th August 2003. Ó 2003 Steven Longman-Marshall – all rights reserved. |
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