The Situation Has Clearly Changed: So What Are We Going to Do About It?. Issue 4 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hayes, Steven C.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 23:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 446
• Page End: 450
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: history of CBT -- future of CBT -- theory -- third wave -- mediation; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2015.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Abstract: Although cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been an enormous empirical and practical success over its 50 + year history, the situational factors that led to its success are changing. In this paper I briefly summarize the history of CBT, and list a number of current challenges that could be dangerous to the future health of CBT if they are ignored or mishandled. I make six recommendations that I believe will be of help going forward: focusing on theory and basic principles; embracing transdiagnostic thinking even more strongly; abandoning syndromal classification once and for all; creating a functional diagnostic system with treatment utility; integrating biology into behavioral science by aligning with modern multidimensional, multilevel evolution science; and becoming more serious about delivery systems. The future of CBT could be exciting if we are able to adjust to changing conditions in a flexible way.