Reference
- Aaron Beck: Credo ReferenceAaron T. Beck is the founder of cognitive therapy, arguably the most widely practiced psychotherapy in the world. Many psychologists and psychiatrists argue that he is the most influential figure ever in the field of depression. John Rush, a well-known depression researcher and professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, is quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer as saying, “His work changed the paradigm—how we do things, how we think about things…. Somebody like him comes along every 50, 100 years.”
- Beck Institute
Improving lives worldwide through excellence and innovation in Cognitive Behavior Therapy training, practice, and research.
Online Resources
- The Evolution of the Cognitive Model of Depression and Its Neurobiological CorrelatesAlthough the cognitive model of depression has evolved appreciably since its first formulation over 40 years ago, the potential interaction of genetic, neurochemical, and cognitive factors has only recently been demonstrated. Combining findings from behavioral genetics and cognitive neuroscience with the accumulated research on the cognitive model opens new opportunities for integrated research.
- The Theory of Modes: Applications to Schizophrenia and Other Psychological ConditionsA novel, person centered approach to the understanding and treatment of severe mental illness—Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R)—has recently been implemented in many settings in the mental health care system. The theory and therapy, originally based on clinical observations, are grounded on the assumption that the personality is composed of a number of “modes” which are composed of specific components such as cognition, affect, motivation and behavior.
Streaming Media
- Anxiety: Cognitive Therapy With Dr. Aaron T. BeckIn this program, famed psychologists and founder of cognitive therapy Dr. Aaron Beck describes his theory of cognitive therapy and outlines his approach for the assessment and treatment of social anxiety. Using charts and outlines, he explains such elements of his theory and approach as the vicious cycle of the psychosocial threat, the typical sequence in public exposure situations, the steps of formulating a case, and the techniques of cognitive therapy. Beck then demonstrates how his theory is applied in a therapeutic approach with "Mark," whose problems with procrastination stem primarily from his fear of being evaluated by others.
- Aaron Beck on Cognitive TherapyWe’d be hard-pressed to find a therapist today who hasn’t in some way been shaped by Dr. Aaron Beck. The founder of Cognitive Therapy, and “one of the five most influential psychotherapists of all time” according to The American Psychologist, Beck revolutionized the way millions of clinicians approach clients in distress. Here is a chance to hear directly from one of the most innovative thinkers in our field.
Perspectives
Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders, Second Edition
This landmark work was the first to present a cognitive framework for understanding and treating personality disorders. Part I lays out the conceptual, empirical, and clinical foundations of effective work with this highly challenging population, reviews cognitive aspects of Axis II disorders, and delineates general treatment principles. In Part II, chapters detail the process of cognitive-behavioral therapy for each of the specific disorders, review the clinical literature, guide the therapist through diagnosis and case conceptualization, and demonstrate the nuts and bolts of cognitive intervention.
Depression
Pioneering in its cognitive approach to psychotherapy, this broad survey of all aspects of depression is considered definitive in its field. It includes a comprehensive review of symptomatology, biology, psychology, theories, and treatment of depression. Based on his own experimental findings, Dr. Beck has synthesized a new approach to depression that provides the rationale for the cognitive therapy of this disorder.
Love Is Never Enough
"Overflowing with insights, advice and exercises which add up to the solutions that may save a failing marriage or make a good relationship better." --Dennis Wholey, author of The Courage to Change With eloquence and accessibility, world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Aaron T. Beck--widely hailed as the "father of cognitive behavioral therapy"--analyzes the actual dialogue of troubled couples to illuminate the most common problems in marriage: the power of negative thinking, disillusionment, rigid rules and expectations, and miscommunication.
Anxiety Disorders and Phobias
The founder of cognitive therapy and two colleagues apply the concepts of cognitive therapy, used successfully in treating depression, to the treatment of anxiety disorders and phobias. Part I shows how the activation of specific nonadaptive cognitive patterns leads to the complex symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, simple phobias, and the evaluation anxieties. Part II shows how distorted perceptions of threat and danger are corrected through cognitive restructuring, relaxation, and distraction techniques and through such behavioral methods as exposure therapy and activity scheduling.