So, let's talk history.
Let's agree right off the bat: we won't delve into dates and factology. If you're intrigued to know the whole history more accurately and in detail after our story — just peek at Wikipedia!
Our goal in this section is to explain why there was a need for this method and what alternatives exist.
The story begins in the 1960s, when young psychoanalyst Aaron Beck laid the foundations of CBT.
It's worth noting that at that time, Freud's psychoanalysis dominated the world of psychotherapy.
Such a respected and well-known figure as Freud hardly needs introduction, but we will remind you of the basic principles of psychoanalysis.
Psychoanalysis focuses on unconscious conflicts, childhood traumas, and their impact on an individual's current behavior.
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Freud's followers believed that depression was the result of anger directed at oneself.
Psychoanalysis is paying $35 an hour to complain about yourself.
Robert Orben
Naturally, Aaron Beck's decision to start practice using psychoanalysis was logical at the time.
However, he soon noticed that many people didn't feel angry but rather saw themselves as failures.
Aaron discovered that many individuals have 'automatic thoughts' — deeply ingrained assumptions that affect their mental state.
These lead to a person perceiving themselves in a distorted manner, overly criticizing themselves, and often despairing.
There's a remarkable contrast between a depressive person's self-image and the objective facts.
The psychologist believed that working with negative beliefs could transform thinking. He called his method cognitive therapy and began applying it in practice with clients.
Beck encouraged patients to focus on the negative beliefs in their everyday lives, rather than childhood conflicts.
Aaron Beck took a century-old dogma, found it wanting, and invented something simple, enduring, and effective to put in its place. He effectively saved psychotherapy from itself.
Steven Hollon
He suggested that people refute their assumptions, test them in life, and gather evidence supporting a positive alternative.
This practice fostered patients' internal dialogue and gradually improved their mood.
Later, Beck humorously recalled that when he started using his approach instead of the psychoanalytic one, his pockets began to empty.
Because people started feeling better much faster and said, 'Thank you, doctor, your services are no longer needed.'
Of course, psychoanalysis and other psychotherapy techniques haven't disappeared.
Each person is unique, and one approach cannot suit everyone.
However, CBT is still considered one of the most effective methods to date.
Now, knowing a bit more about its history, I invite those interested to continue exploring on their own.
And the rest, follow me!
We truly value CBT (and it's not just words). But in our work, we rely on a scientific approach, and all the techniques we offer are based on proven facts.
So, the next section will be dedicated to proving the effectiveness of the method. Get ready for some numbers! You've been warned!
