Discussion: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Family Settings Versus Individual Settings

Whether used with individuals or families, the goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is to modify client behavior. Although CBT for families is similar to CBT for individuals, there are significant differences in their applications. As you develop treatment plans, it is important that you recognize these differences and how they may impact your therapeutic approach with families. For this Discussion, as you compare the use of CBT for families and individuals, consider the challenges of applying this therapeutic approach to your own client families.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Compare the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for families to cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals
• Analyze challenges of using cognitive behavioral therapy for families
• Recommend effective cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies for families

To prepare:

• Review the media, Johnson Family Session 3, in this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights provided on CBT in family therapy.
• Reflect on your practicum experiences with CBT in family and individual settings.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Post to Discussion Question link and then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

By Day 3

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 the challenges counselors might encounter when using CBT in the family setting. Support your position with specific examples from this week’s media.