Sample Nursing Essay: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Introduction
Smartphones are advanced technological gadgets that function in a similar manner like computers in the sense that they allow for the installation of software applications (Donker et al., 2013). In the past few decades, the capabilities of this smartphones have reached new heights through being integrated into the social, occupational and personal aspects of peoples lives. Over half the Australian population owns smartphones and most of them do walk around without them or are even addicted to them. It is estimated that average smartphone users check them almost 150 time in a day and this reflects the richness of how the phones can be utilized to impact changes into people’s trends and routines (Donker et al., 2013). In the recent past, many mental health applications and software have been created for the general public. The application allow people to improve their emotional health, engage in more beneficial routines and have a guide through illness recovery all this in the prospects of improving mental well-being. This means that smartphones can be used as cognitive behavioral therapy tools as they are becoming essential in the controlling of peoples behaviors. This paper assesses an evidence-based approach of utilizing smartphones as cognitive therapy tools through evaluation of different literature.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mental Health Apps
Cognitive Behavioral therapy can be described as a treatment model that enables patients to manage their problems by making changes in the way they think and behave. It works through the modification of dysfunctional thoughts, behaviors and emotions. It derives its concept from the notion that perceptions influence behaviors identifying that sensations, actions, feelings and thoughts are somehow interconnected meaning that engagement in negative perceptions results to a person’s entrapment in a vicious cycle (Hofmann et al., 2012). Therefore, through cognitive behavioral therapy one can break down overwhelming problems into positive minute points and change them to derive a positive attitude and feeling. This is a way of dealing with an individual’s current issues and is utilized in the treatment of anxiety, depression, panic disorders, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders and eating disorders among others (Beck, 2011). Mental health apps have a huge potential to be game changers in the future of treating and addressing mental healthcare. They can be essential in removing barriers for those seeking help and make the help accessible to a wide range of affected individuals. Given that many people suffering from mental issues never seek professional help due to factors such as stigmatization, innovative self-management solution will always come in handy (Layard et al., 2014). Additionally, even for those who are self-aware and looking for help there maybe barriers such as geographical, financial and accessibility issues. However, smartphones have no geographical barriers and can be excellent for private use making them an attractive and flexible option for engagement with confidentiality aspects.
The Concepts
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an individualized and collaborative treatment model hugely recognized due to its approach that seeks to elicit cognitive, emotional and behavioral adaptation when it comes to tackling various psychological aspects (Hofmann et al., 2012). In this case, even though this approach has been mainly clinician centered it has been constantly used as a basis for the principles of the formation of varying self-help measure (Beck, 2011)s. Research has already shown the success of technological interventions that utilized cognitive behavioral therapy in conditions such as depression and anxiety. This approach is mainly based on therapy sessions with professionals. During these sessions, patients have to open up to allow the professional to break down his/her problems identifying them as they are in aspects of either feelings, actions and thoughts. All this aspects of sharing and opening up have been incorporated into mental health app (Donker et al., 2013). By maintaining the core principles of cognitive behavioral theory in mind when creating a smartphone application, technicians are able to formulate apps with three main characteristics, which are attention change, cognitive change and context engagement. Attention change involves the ability of the app to ensure that the user focuses his/her attention on relevant and non-distressing issues or stimuli. This incorporates aspects such as mindfulness, tolerance or acceptance and attention training (Layard et al., 2014). One can experience these aspects through an application such as smiling mind. Cognitive change brings in the ability to alter an individual’s perspective on a certain issue affecting the emotional meaning and significance of that issue. Examples include cognitive distancing and metacognitive awareness promoted through specific techniques such as decentering and cognitive reappraisal or reframing. These aspects can be found in an app such as MoodKit under Thoughts tool. Context engagement could be defined as the training of users in a manner which promotes adaptive associative learning. Here users can learn varying cues that have different rewards and threats more reasonable than the existing cures and can lead to more productive functioning (Hofmann et al., 2012). In cognitive behavioral therapy, this includes the reconditioning of maladaptive associations. An app like SuperBetter incorporates this perspective by availing power-ups that utilize these concepts. To implement these strategies, a patient has to collaborate with a therapist who can formulate a foundation and basis for the initialization of the use of apps and the best suited apps for specific clients.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The incorporation of mental health applications can be advantageous in the aspects of privacy and confidentiality (Bieling et al., 2009). Through mental health apps, clients may be able to access help and support without having to visit therapists regularly and this eliminates some reservations and fears that some affected people poses. These technologies may also be exceedingly helpful in scenarios where medication on its own is not a solution. The provision of cognitive behavioral therapy can also be diversified taking on different formats tailored to meet the specific needs of every client (Layard et al., 2014). Through these incorporations, clients are able to keep track of their recovery taking care of themselves daily. However, there are some disadvantages in the aspects of lack of adequate training for appropriate use of these apps. This may lead to inappropriate diagnosis and harmful use of the offered tools. Additionally, the level of commitment required if untracked can be exceedingly difficult to monitor hence it can be exceedingly difficult to come up with accurate results (Hofmann et al., 2012). The confrontation of anxieties and emotions can be quite difficult for many and can need some guidance and this is where the aspects of a physical councilor comes in. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on an individual’s willingness and capacity to alter their behaviors, feelings and thoughts therefore they is a shortcoming in addressing wide issues in bigger systems such as families.
Conclusion
Mental health applications are offering a new and exciting opportunity in the improvement and management of varying disorders using private hand held objects. This analysis elaborates the various incorporations from the cognitive behavioral therapy concepts that make the applications more effective (Bieling et al., 2009). However, it is imperative to note that these applications may at times need to be incorporated together with professional assistance to ensure that they are used appropriately and effectively. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages and this means that this treatment model can be beneficial in the context of a population that is continuously embracing its reliance in the use of smartphones and other technological gadgets.
References
Donker, T., Petrie, K., Birch, M. & Christensen, H. (2013). Smartphones for smarter delivery of mental health programs: A systematic review. Journal Med Internet Res., 15(11)
Hofmann, S., Asnaani A., Sawyer. A., Fang, A. & Vonk I. (2012) The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res. 2012 Oct 1;36(5):427–440.
Layard, R. and Clark, D. (2014). Thrive: The Power of Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies. London: Penguin Publishers.
Beck, J. S., & Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. New York: Guilford Press.
Bieling, P. J., McCabe, R. E., & Antony, M. M. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral therapy in groups. New York: Guilford Press.
