Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression, part III: Reducing cognitive biases

Abstract

Cognitive therapy has become a well established and widely used treatment for depression. However, most treatment guidelines describe a session-by-ses

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression, part V: Enhancing self-esteem and self-control

“…The therapist must be capable of selecting from a range of treatment options that are appropriate for helping depressed clients. Hence, therapy may include elements focused on helping clients improve their social functioning (Overholser, 1995a), reduce their cognitive biases (Overholser, 1995b), and improve their interpersonal problem-solving skills (Overholser, 1996).…”

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression, part VII: Coping with precipitating events

“…Throughout therapy, it can be useful for the therapist to avoid describing the client's situation as "stressful" or "a crisis," but instead emphasizing that a number of changes have occurred or need to occur, and that change provides opportunities for growth. Clients can be helped to develop realistic but positive self-statements to help them cope with difficult situations (see Overholser, 1995b). The use of pos!tive thoughts can reduce the depressive effects of negative life events (Lightsey, 1994).…”

“…Clients need to realize that no situation is entirely good or bad, and they can learn to appreciate the good that comes with the bad. An important but difficult strategy involves helping clients to find the positive aspects of situations that are predominantly negative (see Overholser, 1995b). When clients can view stressful events as a challenge, or an opportunity for growth, many problems become more manageable.…”

“…~eatment strategies have been developed to help clients improve their social functioning (see Overholser, 1995a), reduce their cognitive biases (see Overholser, 1995b), enhance their problem-solving skills (see Overholser, 1996a), and improve their self-control and self-esteem (see Overholser, 1996b). These strategies can be applied to help different clients overcome their problems and reduce their depressive symptoms.…”

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression, part VI: Integrating the use of antidepressant medications

“…Effective forms of cognitive-behavioral treatment include interpersonal therapy (Overholser, 1995b), cognitive therapy (Overholser, 1995c), problem-solving therapy (Overholser, 1996a), and treatment focused on improving self-esteem and self-control (Overholser, 1996b). These strategies allow the therapist and client to work together to make changes in the client's internal and external environment that can help reduce depressive feelings.…”