This summary stated some differences between cognitive and behavioural therapy. I particularly liked the examination of the nature of automatic thoughts and their influences on a person's well-being. Also, suggestions for improving compliance in the program were included.


As we explored the site on the cognitive therapy, our group members kept track of our automatic mental thoughts. This proved to be difficult for one member and much easier for another. The difficulty was attributed to the mind's inability to stay focused on one particular idea at a time. Perhaps it gets easier with practice and continual attempts at recognition. This activity can be used to recognize how thoughts affect mood and behavior. When you keep track of automatic thoughts, it takes away from the automatic aspect of it therefore making it more easily controllable. The example of "musterbation" was presented. In recording thoughts, a person would have a visual of what goes on inside their head while having illogical desires. This visual could help the person analyze themselves and decide what leads to their irrationality. We both agreed however, that this type of exercise as well as the others presented in the site would be quite draining and somewhat complicated for a person who is seeking therapy. Because of this, the person might not feel motivated to continue with the therapy until the end. A discovery was made concerning how most of the processes we go through in life are guided by automatic and unconscious thought and how mindless thought could lead to unfulfillment in life.
It was suggested that the client follow through with both the computer program and traditional therapy with a counselor. This could help aid in providing some encouragement which may influence the person to continue their remedial treatment. It was also noticed that there were some positive responses posted by clients to the site in response to the therapy program.

We stated some of the differences between cognitive and behavior therapy:
1) Cognitive - focus on recognizing and changing thoughts and emotions - pencil and paper type exercises to heighten awareness of self
2) Behavior - focus on stimulus-response relationships
- physical forms of therapy to change behavior
In comparing the two, a point brought up regarding cognitive therapy Vs, behavior in relation to
changing a specific behavior, was that cognitive might be better. It is important to redirectthoughts from negative to more positive in order to control and change behavior for the better. Positive thoughts can be an aid in developing beneficial coping skills. A brief mention was made in regards to the site's "stale" feel. This is not helpful in trying to provide incentive to use the program to improve one's self .In a therapeutic situation, we agreed that possibly the best form of treatment is a mixture of all the types of therapy plus medication if needed. One type should probably be the dominant type while small aspects of the others are integrated. A personal preference towards the humanistic theory was spoken of. Reasons for choosing this type were:
1) to help the individual empower his/herself
2) emotion is a focus
3) empathy from the professional is prevalent

It is important for the health of society that there be a sliding fee scale for people who cannot afford the tremendous cost of therapeutic help.