Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self‐regulation

Abstract

The cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs) are the choice psychotherapies for many clinicians treating a wide range of adult psychological disorders including various anxieties, mood, substance use, eating, schizophrenia and personality‐related. Empirical research in the CBTs is ever increasing, and the accumulating evidence supporting efficacious treatments is substantial and well documented. However, with prolific research comes a seemingly accelerating and worrying trend of purportedly different therapies, and numerous hybrids and combinations of therapies and techniques. For many clinicians this is increasingly confusing and not helpful in clinical practice. This article is a critique of current trends and directions in clinical research, which show signs of limited effectiveness, fragmentation, and obfuscation. An alternative strategy is proposed—examining transdiagnostic therapeutic effects, which appear related to treating pervasive dysregulated emotions, with component analyses of four principal self‐regulation components (viz., self‐monitoring; functional analysis; identifying values, goals and treatment‐plans; and feedback). Such a strategy is likely to lead to a more coherently synthesized and effective CBT.