How Cognitive Therapy Differs

How Cognitive Therapy Differs

Cognitive therapy differs from traditional therapy in many ways. Cognitive therapy is:

  • active
  • directive
  • focused on the present time
  • short-term

Cognitive therapy emphasizes:

  • identification of problems and goals that are shared by client and therapist
  • clear-cut agenda for each session
  • self-help homework recommended for practice and progress
  • objective measures of outcome

The therapist’s role is to provide a range of cognitive, behavioral, and experiential strategies to alleviate the client’s suffering.