Dr. Glen Xiong takes us through a popular case study involving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
A 63-year-old man has been dealing with depression and anxiety for a year following his retirement as a US Postal Branch supervisor. Despite taking SSRI medication, he is still struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a two-part therapy that focuses on changing his thoughts and beliefs, as well as his behaviors. Through CBT, he learns to challenge his negative beliefs and to develop a more positive self-esteem. He is also taught that people do care for him and that he is not alone in the world. Cognitive therapy and behavior therapy work together to help this man find a solution to his sleep troubles. By understanding why he has difficulty sleeping, he can modify his behaviors to improve his sleep. With CBT, this man is given the tools to overcome his depression and anxiety.