BEHAVIORAL MODELS OF ADOLESCENTS

Behavioral And Cognitive Behavioral Models Of Adolescents

Behavioral And Cognitive Behavioral Models Of Adolescents

Introduction

Christian Counseling is the process of integrating current psychological methods and processes with behavioral standards promulgated by Scripture. The point of Christianity is the healing of relationships: Relationships between man and God and relationships between people. Christian Counselors typically have more education than traditional therapists, since they receive training from both the secular and the religious world. Many Christian Counselors will use powerful analytical tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Others prefer the Arno Profile System (APS) which is based on the theory of Five Temperaments. Using these powerful analytical tools, many Christian Counselors can offer an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan within a relatively short time from their first encounter with their subjects.

Discussion

Aaron Beck is the pioneering individual in cognitive therapy, which is the most influential and most often researched approach to psychotherapy.  Beck began with an attempt to further Freud's theory of depression; however, the research led Beck away from Freud's approach and towards one where errors in logic, coined “cognitive distortions” were deemed the basis of underlying pathology and depression.  The fundamental aspect of cognitive therapy, which later integrated components of behaviorism, was the continuation of negative beliefs that reflected the individual's dysfunctional behavior.

            In addition to Beck, Albert Ellis contributed to the development of a cognitive based theory in his combination of humanism, philosophy, and behavior therapy when he formed rational - emotive behavior therapy (REBT).  Ellis continues to provide therapy and speaking engagements as a means of continuing his work and developing this form of psychotherapy.  He is said to be an abrasive, humorous, and a flamboyant individual who uses this energy to continue his productivity.

            The premise of cognitive-behavior therapy includes the reorganization of an individuals own statements and beliefs to develop congruence with his or her behavior.  A relationship exists between cognitions, emotions, and behaviors that create cause and effect in how the individual experiences events and situations.  Human nature, from a cognitive - behavioral perspective, defines individuals as having the potential for rational and irrational thinking.  This thinking result in the behavior that is often identified as the problem or issue when, in reality, it is the symptom of faulty thinking.

  Faulty thinking begins during childhood as children hear and adopt indoctrinated thoughts that are heard from their parents.  As they repeat these thoughts, dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs are kept alive and begin to affect how individuals behave.  In the REBT theory of cognitive - behavioral therapy, the A-B-C theory of personality exists.  First, an activating (A) event occurs; this triggers a belief (B), which is experienced as an emotional or behavioral consequence (C).  From here, therapy begins to disrupt the pattern by introducing a disputing intervention (D), which has an effect (E), and a new feeling (F).

            The intervention has a number of techniques however; the underlying therapeutic goal is to teach clients to separate the evaluation of their behavior from their evaluation of ...