III. Theoretical Bases for Clinical Treatment
Since the diagnosis was minor depression, treatment included short-term cognitive-behavioral approaches shown to assist with depression. Since a history of physical and emotional abuse may to lead to emotions such as depression and anger, these strong emotional components were considered within the cognitive-behavioral approach. The client also reported a lack of support from significant others, a failed marriage and difficulty dealing with his own child. For this reason Bowlby's attachment theory was included in therapy considerations.
Cognitive theory views the personality as being based on cognitive structures and shaped by central or core beliefs referred to as schemas. These schemas develop early in an individual's life as a result of environmental factors and they are unique to each individual. The schemata are defined as mental structures that organize past experiences. Schemata interact with each other and range from concrete to abstract. Information is acquired, coded, categorized, and evaluated by schemas. Cognitions are the processes that encompass the organization of sensory input and the initiation of behavior. Schemas are employed in the absence of data and therefore reinforce preconceived ideas (Freeman, Simon, Beutler, & Arkowitz, 1989).
Psychological problems are viewed as being due to faulty learning or incorrect inferences that are based on inadequate or incorrect information and a lack of adequate distinction between reality and imagination. Thus fallacious thinking or cognitive distortions contribute to feedback loops that support psychological disorders. Cognitive therapy, a learning model of psychotherapy, is based on a collaborative relationship between patient and therapist, which allows the client to examine and change distorted cognitions. Both patient and therapist decide on treatment goals. The patient is an active co-investigator and pro...