Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes the impact of how we think and feel on what we do. CBT programs are frequently offered in correctional settings and by community-based providers who work with justice-involved populations. The programs target criminal thinking and criminogenic risk factors in a way that promotes improved behavior and decision making.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

CBT recognizes the important nexus between an individual's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. The term "cognitive" describes the conscious mental state and process of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that an individual experiences constantly. The term "behavioral" refers to an individual’s actions—how he or she behaves. Taken together, "cognitive behavioral therapy" describes a type of psychotherapy predicated on the idea that our thoughts—rather than external factors such as other people, situations, and events—are the root cause of our feelings and behaviors. CBT is designed to help individuals develop new skills and ways of approaching their issues that will lead to different and improved outcomes.

What Does CBT Look Like?

CBT can be offered in a variety of therapeutic settings, and can be taught by anyone ranging from a certified chemical addiction counselor to a person with a medical degree. Although the term CBT describes numerous therapeutic "modalities" (or forms of treatment), CBT programs have several things in common. They focus the client on the here-and-now and direct him or her toward a specific objective or goal, rather than exploring the cause of those feelings. The therapist is concerned with changing outcomes and behaviors in a way that helps the individual make better decisions. For example, a CBT program designed to address an individual's substance abuse might focus on when someone last used a dangerous substance, what led up to that last use, and what was going on in that person's life—both externally and in his or her thoughts-that led them to use. The goal is to help the client respond differently when presented with a similar situation in the future.

Examples of CBT Programs

CBT programs vary in purpose and scope. Some are designed to alleviate mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Others address substance abuse and improved ways of dealing with problems that might lead an individual to take drugs. The focus of the recent CBT webinar was on programs that address criminogenic risk and reduce recidivism among offenders with mental illnesses. A few of these programs are listed below:

• Reasoning and Rehabilitation—First developed at the Cognitive Centre of Canada in 1986, Reasoning and Rehabilitation aims to give individuals involved in the justice system the values, attitudes, reasoning, and social skills they need to behave appropriately in the future. For more information, see (http://www.thecognitiveconnection.com/legacy/cognitiveskills.htm.)
• Thinking for a Change—A cognitive behavior change program for offenders that includes cognitive restructuring, social skills development, and development of problem-solving skills. (For more information, see http://nicic.gov/T4C.)
• Lifestyle Change—Offers a change-focused, participant-driven resource for effectively guiding targeted populations through the process of life change. This innovative approach enhances the therapeutic engagement between providers of service and participants while building consistency and confidence in the modality being used. (For more information, see http://www.changecompanies.net/.)
• Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)—Designed specifically for people involved with the criminal justice system, MRT helps an individual develop higher levels of moral reasoning by enhancing self-image and promoting growth of a positive productive identity. MRT addresses the traits of honesty, trust, and acceptance. (For more information, see http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=34.)

What Does the Research on CBT Show?

It works. A meta-analysis of twenty-five CBT programs serving general adult offenders found that without a CBT program, about 49 percent of individuals would recidivate with a new felony conviction within the following eight years. CBT programs reduced recidivism rates by 8.2 percent. ^[1]  

Related Information

• January 2011 e-newsletter