Applying Cognitive Behavioral Theory to Psychotherapy

1 Applying Cognitive Behavioral Theory to the Treatment of Mental Health Problems Nurses at all levels of practice employ a wide range of theoretical perspectives and functional approaches to enhance their role in healthcare delivery. Different approaches to care delivery help to improve the independence of nurses and clients. Further, theoretical perspectives increase the nurses’ capability to utilize their knowledge and critical thinking skills during practice. Additionally, theoretical frameworks enable nurses to predict and explain current and future events. Importantly, applying theoretical approaches to patient care creates a base on which to assist the patient in overcoming fears of the unknown besides embracing the treatment plan. This journal focuses on the cognitive and behavioral theory that is constantly applied during the care of individuals with psychological disorders. The paper will also highlight the integration of various therapeutic approaches into clinical practice together with how the nurse can impact social change while working with clients presenting with mental health issues.

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Therapeutic Theory Cognitive Behavioral Theory is one of the theoretical frameworks widely applied to the treatment of mental health problems. This theory guides the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of clients with mental health issues. The main focus of this theory is a change of individual thoughts and behavior (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2015). My practicum experiences have not contributed to significant changes in the therapeutic theory. I believe that a change of behavior, thoughts and feelings is essential for the positive outcome of patient care. Glanz, Rimer and Viswanath (2015) made it clear that nurses should employ a therapeutic approach that improves the client's thoughts to increase the client’s capacity to take part in their care and improve compliance. Positive thoughts and feelings help the client set and engage in tasks that promote recovery (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2015). During practice, the utilization of the CBT is based on the fact that this framework helps clients to analyze events from a positive perspective and determine the factors that trigger negative feelings and thoughts.

Therapeutic Approach Integration into Practice The integration of non-pharmacological interventions into patient care is a potentially beneficial strategy since these interventions encourage behavioral change, the development of coping mechanisms, environmental manipulation, and positive thoughts (Varcarolis, 2016). Therapeutic approaches are particularly beneficial in the care of persons with psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Therapeutic approaches were integrated into clinical practice through several approaches. First, a comprehensive assessment was performed to determine the mental health status of the client. The second step was to determine if the presenting problems could be resolved either by a single intervention or a combination of both pharmacological and

3 psychotherapeutic interventions. The third step is the identification of the therapeutic intervention that suits the health needs and interests of the client as well as the family and social structure of the client. The integration of therapeutic interventions into clinical practice was vital to the achievement of week one's projected goals and objectives. For instance, these interventions helped improve interaction with clients and families to conduct appropriate diagnoses and treatment plans.

Impacting social change The diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health issues are essential strategies through which nurses can impact social change. It is irrefutable that the involvement of PMHNP in mental care processes helps eradicate the stigma associated with mental health problems (Moller, Vossler, Jones & Kaposi, 2020). Nurses work with clients, families, and communities to sensitize people on the need to embrace those with psychiatric health problems. Members of the community are subsequently informed that nobody should be stigmatized based on their mental health (Moller, Vossler, Jones & Kaposi, 2020). Further, nurses assess individuals to determine the potential causes and trigger factors of mental health problems. By prescribing treatments that align with the health needs of a person, nurses improve the capacity of an individual to participate in family and societal activities.

Conclusion The integration of therapeutic interventions into patient care is a practical strategy for improving the outcome of care. Therapeutic interventions facilitate change in behavior, feelings, thoughts, and perceptions among clients. The cognitive-behavioral theory is a common therapeutic approach employed by nurses during patient care.

4 References Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (Eds.). (2015). Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Moller, N., Vossler, A., Jones, D. W., & Kaposi, D. (Eds.). (2020). Understanding Mental Health and Counselling. SAGE. Varcarolis, E. M. (2016). Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing-E-Book: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care. Elsevier Health Sciences.

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