Whether used with individuals or families, the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to modify client behavior. Although CBT for families is similar to CBT for individuals, there are significant differences in their applications. As you develop treatment plans, it is important that you recognize these differences and how they may impact your therapeutic approach with families. For this Discussion, as you compare the use of CBT for families and individuals, consider challenges of applying this therapeutic approach to your own client families. · Review the media, Johnson Family Session 3, in this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights provided on CBT in family therapy. · Reflect on your practicum experiences with CBT in family and individual settings. Post an explanation of how the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in families compares to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in individual settings. Provide specific examples from your own practicum experiences. Then, explain challenges counselors might encounter when using CBT in the family setting. Support your position with specific examples from this week’s media. Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). New York, NY: Springer. Nichols, M. (2014). (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Bond, C., Woods, K., Humphrey, N., Symes, W., & Green, L. (2013). Practitioner review: The effectiveness of solution focused brief therapy with children and families: A systematic and critical evaluation of the literature from 1990–2010. (7), 707–723. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12058 Conoley, C., Graham, J., Neu, T., Craig, M., O’Pry, A., Cardin, S., & … Parker, R. (2003). Solution-focused family therapy with three aggressive and oppositional-acting children: An N=1 empirical study. (3), 361–374. doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.2003.00361.x de Castro, S., & Guterman, J. (2008). Solution-focused therapy for families coping with suicide. (1), 93–106. doi:10.111/j.1752-0606.2008.00055.x Patterson, T. (2014). A cognitive behavioral systems approach to family therapy. (2), 132–144. doi:10.1080/08975353.2014.910023 Perry, A. (2014). Cognitive behavioral therapy with couples and families. (3), 366–367. doi:10.1080/14681994.2014.909024 Ramisch, J., McVicker, M., & Sahin, Z. (2009). Helping low-conflict divorced parents establish appropriate boundaries using a variation of the miracle question: An integration of solution-focused therapy and structural family therapy. (7), 481–495. doi:10.1080/10502550902970587 Washington, K. T., Wittenberg-Lyles, E., Oliver, D. P., Baldwin, P. K., Tappana, J., Wright, J. H., & Demiris, G. (2014). Rethinking family caregiving: Tailoring cognitive-behavioral therapies to the hospice experience. (4), 244–250. doi:10.1093/hsw/hlu031 Laureate Education (Producer). (2013c). [Video file]. Author: Baltimore, MD. The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to modify client behavior, whether used with individuals or families. While CBT for families shares similarities with CBT for individuals, there are significant differences in their applications. Understanding these differences is crucial when developing treatment plans and implementing therapeutic approaches with families. In this discussion, we will compare the use of CBT for families and individuals, and examine the challenges that counselors might face when employing CBT in a family setting.

CBT in families focuses on addressing not only individual beliefs and behaviors but also family dynamics and interactions. The therapist works with the entire family unit, aiming to improve communication and resolve conflicts within the family system. This approach recognizes that the behavior of one family member can impact the entire family, and seeks to create lasting change by targeting the family system as a whole.

In contrast, CBT in individual settings primarily focuses on the beliefs and behaviors of the individual client. The therapist works one-on-one with the client to identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. The individual client is the primary focus of attention, and the therapist tailors interventions specifically to their needs.

In my own practicum experiences, I have observed these differences in the application of CBT. For example, when working with a family struggling with communication issues, the therapist employed CBT techniques to address individual beliefs and behaviors that were contributing to the family conflict. By working with each family member to recognize and modify their own negative communication patterns, the therapist was able to facilitate more effective and harmonious interactions within the family.

Another significant difference between CBT in family and individual settings is the involvement of multiple perspectives in the therapeutic process. In family therapy, each family member has their own unique perspective and experiences that contribute to the overall dynamics of the family. The therapist must skillfully navigate these multiple perspectives and ensure that each family member feels heard and validated. This can be challenging, as conflicting perspectives and emotional dynamics within the family can complicate the therapeutic process.

In comparison, CBT in individual settings typically involves only the client’s perspective. The therapist focuses on understanding the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and works collaboratively with the client to modify maladaptive patterns. This allows for a more straightforward and streamlined therapeutic process, as there are no conflicting perspectives to navigate.

One of the challenges that counselors might encounter when using CBT in the family setting is resistance to change from individual family members. During my practicum experiences, I observed a family in which one member was resistant to participating in therapy and making the necessary changes. This resistance created additional tension within the family and hindered progress in therapy. The therapist had to be flexible and adapt their approach to address the resistance and find alternative ways to engage the individual and the family as a whole.

In the media, Johnson Family Session 3, we see an example of the challenges counselors may face when using CBT in the family setting. The therapist works with the Johnson family to uncover and address their underlying issues, particularly their difficulties with communication. However, throughout the session, we witness the family members demonstrating resistance and defensiveness, which presents a challenge for the therapist. Despite these challenges, the therapist utilizes various CBT techniques to help the family members recognize and modify their beliefs and behaviors, ultimately working towards positive change within the family system.

In summary, while CBT for families and individuals share the goal of modifying client behavior, there are significant differences in their application. CBT in families involves addressing family dynamics and interactions, while CBT in individual settings focuses primarily on the beliefs and behaviors of the individual client. The involvement of multiple perspectives and the potential for resistance to change are challenges that counselors may encounter when using CBT in the family setting. Understanding these differences and challenges will inform therapeutic approaches and treatment planning for families.