When CBT Doesn't Fit: Exploring Alternative Therapies

What if CBT isn't the best choice for your client? Discover the most effective alternatives to cognitive behavioral therapy as we shed light on therapy approaches that cater to specific client needs. We examine eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), interpersonal therapy (IPT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and more to help you make the right choice for your client's unique situation.

Join us as we delve into real-world examples of when these alternative therapies might be more suitable for clients dealing with trauma, relationship issues, chronic pain, addiction, or personality disorders. Learn the importance of tailoring your treatment approach to each individual situation and gain insights on how to choose the best therapeutic approach for your client. So, tune in for an informative discussion on the various therapeutic approaches and how to make the right call for those you counsel.

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This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Transcript

Stacy: 0:05

Hi everyone and welcome to our podcast. Today we'll be discussing when it's appropriate to choose an alternative approach rather than cognitive behavioral therapy with clients. When you're working through a narrative on your exam.

Linton: 0:17

There's other ways of doing therapy with clients. I thought the exam would be all CBT. Well, despite its prevalence use in therapy these days and it is an evidence-based practice that is useful in many cases CBT is not always the best option for a client or what you should choose when you're taking the exam. On the exam, you need to know a variety of counseling theories and what issues are most suitable for what approach. So let's look at some examples of what you might do and what you should use other than CBT.

Stacy: 0:57

All right. So the first example is when a client has a traumatic experience that they haven't been able to process and move on from. In this case, it might be beneficial to consider an approach such as eye movement, desensitization and reprocessing. A lot of people know it as EMDR. Emdr can help the client reprocess the traumatic experience and move past it. Cognitive, behavioral, cognitive processing therapy, or CPT, not CBT is another option, and this is a more cognitive oriented approach that can help a client process and reframe traumatic experiences.

Linton: 1:35

Right, but what if the narrative is dealing with a client who has a deeper, underlying issue that needs to be addressed before they can move on with their life? Instead of using CBT, a psychodynamic theory or Jungian therapy would be more appropriate. These types of therapies can help the client work through and explore their unconscious issues that may be preventing them from moving on.

Stacy: 2:07

Those are great examples, linton. How about when a client has a difficult time forming relationships with others in a narrative? If you see this as the client's presenting problem in a narrative on your exam, then something like interpersonal therapy or IPT voice like alphabet soup with all these acronyms IPT might be the better choice to explore how they relate to others in order to improve their social functioning.

Linton: 2:33

Well, another example when you would choose a different therapy than CBT would be in a narrative where the client is dealing constantly with chronic pain or illness. If that's the case, answers that are oriented towards acceptance and commitment therapy ACT should be considered. ACT focuses on accepting the present moment instead of trying to control it or change it, which can help the client find ways to manage the pain and distress associated with their illness.

Stacy: 3:13

And remember. Act can also be beneficial for clients who are struggling with anxiety or depression. Act can help their clients identify their values and focus on actions that will move them toward those values, rather than ruminating about the problem.

Linton: 3:28

Okay, well, moving on, when a narrative is dealing with addictions and addictions issues, an approach such as motivational interviewing can be beneficial. MI helps the client work through internal resistance to change and develop motivation to make positive changes in their lives. Consider that approach first, rather than jumping on the CBT bang fan wagon.

Stacy: 3:56

That's right. And lastly, when a client is struggling with issues related to a personality disorder like borderline, for example, dialectical behavior therapy may be your best choice on the exam. DBT another acronym, my goodness can help the client develop a healthier relationship with their emotions and learn skills to regulate them more effectively.

Linton: 4:19

Well, great, those are all really good examples, stacy, of when you should use a different theoretical approach than CBT. It's also important to remember that each client is unique and has different needs. Each narrative on the exam will require you to assess the client's situation and choose the best course of action. Also, remember that these techniques are not mutually exclusive. Depending on the client's need, which you can determine through the narrative and the client's background information, a combination of theoretical approaches may be beneficial, so keep that in mind.

Stacy: 5:01

And that's really the takeaway message from today's podcast. Every narrative on the exam is unique, and your treatment approach, including the theoretical framework or frameworks that you're using, should be tailored to your client's specific needs. Okay, Thanks for joining us today And until next time, remember. Bye-bye.