Changing a Behavior Through Pure Cognitive Processes Isn’t Likely
As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) was formed by the late psychologist Albert Ellis, who reportedly developed the first cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) psychotherapeutic modality in 1955, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding his book, Ask Albert Ellis?: Straight Answers and Sound Advice from America’s Best-Known Psychologist.
Although it isn’t uncommon for people to think or believe themselves into a problem, it isn’t likely that they’ll resolve their issue by a process that is solely related to cognition (an individual percept, idea, memory, or the like). Regarding this matter, Ellis stated (pages 8 & 9):
Changing a behavior through pure cognitive processes is rarely, if ever, accomplished. As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) has shown since I created it in 1955, thinking, feeling, and behaving processes are virtually never “pure,” but invariably importantly interact with and affect each other.
Thus, when you have a dysfunctional behavior – such as a phobia against riding in elevators – you think that elevators are “very dangerous,” when of course they are remarkably safe. You hold your mistaken belief very strongly and emotionally.
And you consistently act on your thought and feeling by panicking yourself about the possibility of taking an elevator ride or even by contemplating taking one. You therefore, fearfully avoid elevators. Obviously, your phobia has definite cognitive, emotional, and behavioral elements.
So REBT, from the start, has shown people how to work at changing all three of these factors when they disturb themselves. It uses many philosophic and evocative-experiential and behavioral methods of psychotherapy – and that is why it is called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.
Similarly, most other Cognitive Behavior therapies, which largely follow the practices of REBT, are “multimodal” – as psychologist Arnold Lazarus has advocated in his book, Multi-Modal Therapy – and use a number of interrelated active-directive techniques.
Changing a behavior through pure cognitive processes isn’t likely, because your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral elements interplay when creating problems and issues. Therefore, it’s probably going to take cognitive, emotional, and behavioral elements to resolve these matters.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
Photo credit (edited), Designed by Magnific, fair use
References:
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