What is modeling in cognitive-behavioral therapy?

Answer 1

To answer your question in a very watered down fashion, the cognitive behavioural model is that your cognitions influence behaviour and vice versa. Someone who is afraid of embarressment (cognition, a thought, a belief, a feeling, a point of view) will avoid going to clubs (behaviour) because they are afraid of embarressment. The avoidance is the behaviour that has resulted from the cognition/thought that he/she will be embarressed or say something stupid if they go to a club. This is an example of how cognition influences behaviour Because this person has avoided social places like clubs and parties (behaviour), he/she doesnt experience any embarressment or anxiety- they learn (cognition) that avoiding parties is the best way to go and they continue to avoid parties- thus this is an example of how behaviour affects cognition. Therapy makes use of this Cognitive behavioural model. For someone with social phobia, the therapist may instruct them to face their fears (exposure therapy) by going to a party or club (a behaviour). The idea is, once the patient enters the club, and stays inside the club, their anxiety will eventually decrease as they discover that they are not embarressing, they arent the centre of attention. Thus, through their behavior of going to the club and facing their fears, this will cause them to change their beliefs and thoughts (cognitions)- ie the person now learns that social situations are not always going to lead to embarressment and they do not appear foolish. Try looking up cognitive behavioural therapy, because that type of therapy is based on the cognitive behavioural model (developed by Beck and Skinner and many others).

Answer 2

The therapist and patient engage in role-playing exercises in which the therapist acts out appropriate behaviors or responses to situations.