Behavioral Health and the Dark Triad

Posted on April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 by Mark Moran

Researchers have studied the Dark Triad of psychopathology since 2002. This group includes psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. The topic has gained much notice in academic circles and public talks. Many peer-reviewed articles show this growth. These papers explain and examine the complex parts of these linked personality traits. Early research showed how these traits overlap. A shared core of cold manipulation defines them. Scholars now see that each trait has many sides. This view challenges older ideas that viewed each trait to be one unit. Studies on the Dark Triad now include talks about measurement differences and method concerns. These include using easy-to-reach samples and relying on single ways to collect data. We must fix these issues to help our understanding grow. Doing so will make future studies in this field of psychology stronger.(Joshua D Miller et al., 2019). While initial research underscored their conceptual overlap—characterized by a shared core of callous manipulation—scholars have increasingly recognized the multidimensionality of each trait, challenging earlier perspectives that treated them as unidimensional (Furnham A et al., 2013). Consequently, the landscape of Dark Triad research has evolved to include discussions on measurement discrepancies and methodological concerns, such as convenience sampling and the reliance on mono-method approaches. Addressing these issues is crucial for advancing our understanding and ensuring the robustness of future studies in this significant area of psychological inquiry.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications.

Definition and Overview of the Dark Triad

The Dark Triad. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications

The Dark Triad includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy. These three traits form a group of harmful personality types that psychologists study often. These traits share a core of cold and manipulative behavior. This behavior often causes harmful results in social settings and interpersonal relationships. Recent studies show how these traits overlap and how they differ. They are key tools for understanding complex human actions in the study of mental illness. Researchers look at where these traits start and how they appear in people. This work shows how the traits lead to antisocial acts and damaged relationships. New studies on dark personality traits show why they matter to abnormal psychology. This base of knowledge calls for more study on how these traits affect mental health and how society works.(Furnham A et al., 2013). Furthermore, explorations into the origins and manifestations of these traits underscore their significance in the development of antisocial behaviors and dysfunctional interpersonal relationships, a point emphasized by emerging studies on dark personality traits and their relevance to abnormal psychology (Thomaes S et al., 2017). This foundation invites further inquiry into their implications for mental health and societal functioning.

Importance of Studying Psychopathological Traits

Psychologists must understand psychopathological traits for research and practical use in various fields like clinical psychology, criminology, and organizational behavior. The Dark Triad includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. It helps explain harmful social behaviors like manipulation, self-interest, and a lack of empathy. Researchers study these traits to see how they link to poor social behaviors and relationships. Scientists created short tools like the Short Dark Triad (SD3). These tools help test people in both clinical and general groups (). More Dark Triad studies appear. Psychologists place these traits into larger psychological models to see the structure of personality and what it means ().(Daniel N Jones et al., 2013)). Additionally, as the literature surrounding the Dark Triad expands, it becomes increasingly relevant to place these traits within broader psychological frameworks, enhancing our understanding of personality structure and its implications ((Furnham A et al., 2013)).

As science progresses, there are clear ties within the brain’s ability to foster emotion, regret, or remorse attached to the amygdala. Yet, one cannot simply justify such extreme and vile behaviors that fall under the category of anti-social disorders, simply because one does not feel. One can understand how it may be easier to be cold and ruthless, but one still possesses the knowledge of right and wrong. While secular science only studies the biological, many spiritual counselors believe there is more than just merely a physiological issue, but also a spiritual one. Vice, habitual immorality, moral relative attitudes, and evil influences can also contribute to an individual who displays such disregard for other human beings.

The danger becomes when there is no balance in understanding these individuals. If one looks for only empirical studies at neglect of spiritual, or if one dismisses the science for only spiritual answers, then the whole story will not be presented. It is important to understand both elements. So, counselor should be well versed in the scientific explanations and reasons why individuals do not feel or show empathy, but also beyond the biological, review the behavioral history, trauma, and other spiritual distresses that have allowed this malignant personality to fester. There will be differing degrees of where one falls, but also different levels of how far someone will go in regards to hurting another person.

Characteristics and Behavioral Patterns

The Dark Triad of Psychopathology includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, and these behavioral patterns show a shared tendency to both manipulate and exploit other people in their lives. People with these traits often show a liking for lies and a clear lack of empathy. They chase their own interests in both social and work situations at all times. Research grew a lot after the framework began, showing different connections and how these traits work together in various settings [citeX]. The creation of reliable tools like the Short Dark Triad (SD3) shows the urgent need to test these traits well and quickly in many groups [extractedKnowledgeX]. We learn more about how these traits affect interpersonal relationships and societal dynamics by understanding these characteristics.(Furnham A et al., 2013). The development of reliable measurement tools, such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3), underscores the urgent need to assess these attributes efficiently and effectively in diverse populations (Daniel N Jones et al., 2013). By understanding these characteristics, we gain insight into their broader implications for interpersonal relationships and societal dynamics

These individuals will be very self-centered, proud and vain. They will exhibit charm and charisma for who they want but will ruthlessly remove (at varying levels) those who pose a threat to them. They will manipulate and see individuals as pawns to their own needs. In addition, some will be cold and calculating while others may be very emotional in outbursts. This varies pending on if they are a psychopath or sociopath. In addition, they hold to a strong subjective morality that values their belief system over others. In addition, they may be extremely greedy, lustful, or possess other vices at high levels.

While many of these anti-social behaviors at the biological level, or exist due to past trauma and abuse, one cannot easily dismiss the lack of virtue in their lives. At one point, one has to accept responsibility. While it may be difficult, one cannot live a sinful and vice filled life and justify it due to the past or biological factors. While these issues can contribute to their condition, these individuals still possess free will and can choose to better themselves.

While they are not as common, these individuals do exist. Unfortunately, many times, individuals hurl these names onto people they are upset with. A person can exhibit some traits, or vices in life and not be clinically diagnosed with any of the three personality disorders. All human beings can be selfish, or use others at times, but individuals who truly are clinically narcissistic, or psychopathic, behave habitually not randomly. They exhibit the behaviors universally and have zero ability to show remorse. Some are clinically worst than others. Some are far more dangerous than others in the lengths of their plans, but a person who truly exhibits these behaviors at a clinical level is unforgettable.

Psychological and Neurological Underpinnings

The psychological and neurological roots of the Dark Triad show how complex these antisocial traits are. The triad includes psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. Research shows these traits share a harsh core of callous manipulation. This manipulation appears through clear behavior patterns and emotional reactions. For example, people with these traits often exploit others. They show a lack of empathy at the same time. This lack of empathy links to specific brain differences. One difference is lower activity in the amygdala during emotional processing. This lack of brain activity helps researchers understand the motives behind Dark Triad behaviors. Researchers look at how these traits work together using different models. New studies emphasize how these traits relate to broader mental health issues. Explaining these psychological and neurological models gives useful ideas about how these traits continue and spread. This work helps people understand abnormal psychology more clearly.(Thomaes S et al., 2017). Consequently, elucidating the psychological and neurological frameworks can provide significant insights into the maintenance and proliferation of these traits, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of abnormal psychology (Furnham A et al., 2013).

Psychopathy

Psychopaths, as well as sociopaths have no remorse

Psychopathy is a major part of the Dark Triad of Psychopathology. It connects to narcissism and Machiavellianism but has unique features that set it apart. This personality trait shows a total lack of empathy and weak emotional reactions. It leads to a habit of manipulating others. Research finds psychopathy includes coldness and acting on whims. These traits put people at a higher risk for breaking social rules and acting against society. Recent meta-analytic findings show these dark traits are related. They are separate but have similar effects on behavior and personality structure. This is true for traits like agreeableness in the Big Five model. Experts put psychopathy in the interpersonal circumplex and Five- and Six-Factor models. This proves the trait has many parts and is hard to measure. Understanding psychopathy is needed to deal with its impact on society.(Muris P et al., 2017). Moreover, psychopathy has been situated within both the interpersonal circumplex and the Five- and Six-Factor models of personality, underscoring its multifaceted nature and the complexities of measuring its manifestations (Furnham A et al., 2013). Understanding psychopathy is essential for addressing its societal consequences effectively.

Sociopathy can also find itself within these conditions. Sociopathy and Psychopathy are similar in that neither express remorse or feel emotion but sociopathy is more a learned behavior as opposed to psychopathy which is genetic. Both represent issues within the brain to feel and express emotion, but there reactions also vary. Sociopaths tend to be more impulsive or reactive and emotional, while psychopaths are more calculating and controlled.

Narcissism

Narcissism is one trait in the Dark Triad of Psychopathology, and it affects interpersonal relationships and self-perception in a unique way. Narcissists show grandiosity and need constant admiration, but they lack empathy and value their self-image above all else. This focus causes great trouble in personal connections and leads to callous, manipulative behavior. Narcissists share these traits with Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Research shows narcissists may exploit others in an endless quest for validation and power. Narcissism connects with other Dark Triad traits, so we must study its impact more. This matters most in offices and social groups. In these settings, interpersonal actions change the results.(Furnham A et al., 2013). Research indicates that narcissists may engage in exploitative behaviors, driven by their insatiable quest for validation and dominance (Daniel N Jones et al., 2013). Moreover, the interplay of narcissism with the other traits in the Dark Triad underscores the necessity for further examination of its implications, particularly in social and organizational contexts where interpersonal dynamics significantly influence outcomes.

Core Traits and Manifestations

Studies on the Dark Triad show that Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy appear in different but connected ways. These core traits affect how people act and how they talk to others in their daily lives. Every trait shares a common base of coldness and manipulation. Paulhus and Williams described these features in their early work on the triad. These traits lead to harmful behaviors. They also play a large role in mental health disorders. We must understand how these complex traits work. The way these traits work together leads to many bad results. These results include fights between people and damage to mental health. Researchers study these traits more today. We must see how they fit into general psychology. This work helps experts find new ways to treat people who show these three traits.(Furnham A et al., 2013). These socially aversive traits not only contribute to maladaptive behaviors but also play a significant role in psychopathology, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of their complexity (Thomaes S et al., 2017). The interplay of these traits can lead to various detrimental outcomes, including interpersonal conflicts and detrimental effects on mental health. As researchers continue to investigate these traits, it becomes increasingly important to appreciate their implications for broader psychological frameworks, thereby paving the way for innovative approaches in the treatment of individuals exhibiting these characteristics.

Impact on Interpersonal Relationships

Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy make up the Dark Triad traits. These traits disrupt relationships and cause many negative results for both the people who have them and others around them. Research shows people who score high in these traits often use manipulation and exploitation. This behavior lowers trust and creates conflict in the relationships they have. For example, the cold nature of these people pushes others away. Their interactions stay shallow and lack any real emotional connection. The creation of the Short Dark Triad (SD3) test helps experts study these patterns. This tool shows how these traits predict bad results, like more aggression and less teamwork. These dark traits affect more than just the actions of one person. They change how people interact with each other in their social lives.(Furnham A et al., 2013). Additionally, the development of instruments such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3) has facilitated the exploration of these dynamics, revealing how these traits can predict adverse relational outcomes, including increased aggression and decreased cooperation (Daniel N Jones et al., 2013). Ultimately, the repercussions of the Dark Triad extend beyond individual actions, deeply influencing the fabric of social interactions.

Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism is a main part of the Dark Triad. This personality type uses manipulation and deceit. These people use a harsh way of dealing with others. This trait has a similar base to psychopathy and narcissism. It stays different. It focuses on planning how to use people. It involves being cold and detached. New studies show that Machiavellianism often overlaps with narcissism and psychopathy. This highlights the shared trait of cruel manipulation. This trait defines the whole Dark Triad group. Experts sometimes ignore that these ideas have many layers. This makes it hard for researchers who want to study their links. Scientists can look at Machiavellianism as its own trait and as part of a bigger group. This helps them judge its impact on how people act and mental tests. This detailed view adds to the discussion. It helps people create better ways to help those with these traits.(Furnham A et al., 2013). However, the treatment of these constructs sometimes overlooks their multidimensional nature, presenting a significant challenge to researchers aiming to dissect their intricate relationships (Joshua D Miller et al., 2019). By understanding Machiavellianism as both a standalone personality trait and a part of a broader construct, researchers can better assess its implications for social behavior and psychological assessment. This nuanced perspective not only enriches the conversation but also aids in developing more effective intervention strategies for individuals exhibiting such traits.Manipulative Strategies and Traits

Manipulative tactics are part of Dark Triad behaviors. These behaviors include narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These traits share a core of callousness and a drive to control other people. This focus often leads to poor social and mental results. Studies find that people with these traits often use lies. They manipulate others to help themselves and do not care about the well-being of others. These traits overlap in complex ways, and that makes it hard to judge a person. For example, narcissists use others to protect their own self-esteem. Machiavellians use these tactics for their own benefit (). Other research links these traits to low levels of agreeableness. This shows a clear lack of care for getting along with others (). Learning about these tactics helps us understand the broad effects of the Dark Triad on social groups.(Bundy T et al., 2017)). Furthermore, research highlights that these traits are significantly correlated with lower levels of agreeableness, indicating a pronounced disregard for interpersonal harmony ((Furnham A et al., 2013)). Understanding these manipulative strategies enhances our comprehension of the broader implications of the Dark Triad on social dynamics.

Role in Social and Occupational Contexts

The Dark Triad of Psychopathology includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, and these traits affect how people act in social and work settings. People with these traits often manipulate social situations to benefit themselves. They find short-term success but often damage long-term bonds and workplace peace. Research shows high levels of Machiavellianism and psychopathy cause job performance to drop. These traits break down team unity and lower output. The ways these people interact involve cold manipulation. This behavior ruins relationships and changes the office culture. Understanding these traits helps reduce their impact on the workplace and build better social habits.(Ernest H O’Boyle et al., 2011). Furthermore, the interpersonal strategies employed by those with Dark Triad characteristics reveal a common thread of callous manipulation that not only affects interpersonal relationships but also shapes workplace cultures (Furnham A et al., 2013). Consequently, understanding these traits is essential for mitigating their impact on organizational environments and fostering healthier social interactions.

Conclusion

The Dark Triad represents a very dangerous person at varying levels. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications

The Dark Triad of Psychopathology includes Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Studying these traits shows us people’s actions. We see how they treat each other. These three bad traits are different, but they all involve mean ways of using people. Psychologists must use precise tests to study them. Research, like the work by Paulhus and Williams, shows these traits. They share some features and link to their own mental results. Experts made fast tools like the Short Dark Triad (SD3) for researchers and doctors. These tools are precise. They help us see these traits in local groups and clinics. We can learn about bad behaviors and their effect on society by looking at the Dark Triad’s meaning.(Furnham A et al., 2013). Moreover, the development of efficient measures like the Short Dark Triad (SD3) underscores the importance of reliable assessment tools for researchers and practitioners alike, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of these traits in both community and clinical settings (Daniel N Jones et al., 2013). Ultimately, addressing the implications of the Dark Triad can enhance our grasp of maladaptive behaviors and their impact on society.

It is also crucial for individuals to understand the dangers and signs of meeting these types of individuals. They can be quite charming at first but overtime, the fake mask is removed.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications.

Summary of the Dark Triad’s Influence in Psychopathology

The Dark Triad includes narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These three traits help us understand the field of psychopathology. They relate to antisocial behaviors and problems with social connections. Research shows these traits link together and are common in men. They show a concerning link to negative social results like conflict and aggression. The shared core of callous manipulation among these traits reflects a pattern of bad behaviors. These behaviors challenge old ideas about personality. The findings show we need better ways to measure these traits. We must look past simple tests to see the full picture. We need a broad look at how they affect mental health. The effects of the Dark Triad appear in clinics and other psychology fields. These complex patterns require more study in future research projects.(Muris P et al., 2017). Moreover, the shared core of callous manipulation among these traits reflects a broader pattern of maladaptive behaviors that challenge traditional personality paradigms (Furnham A et al., 2013). These findings underscore the necessity for nuanced measurement approaches that capture the complexity of these traits, moving beyond simplistic assessments to embrace a more comprehensive analysis of their influence on psychological health. Ultimately, the implications of the Dark Triad’s dynamics extend into both clinical and applied psychological realms, warranting further scrutiny in future research.

Implications for Research and Mental Health Interventions

Researchers study the Dark Triad, and this group includes psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. This work helps science and mental health care. The field of study has changed over the years. Treating these traits as one simple thing is a mistake that makes therapy less effective. Experts use proven psychological models to study these traits. This work helps us see them clearly. It leads to treatments for their cruel and tricky core parts. Researchers are now building better ways to measure these traits. These tools help them separate overlapping parts of each trait. This data helps doctors choose the right therapy for their patients. It makes treatments work better for people with Dark Triad traits, and this care leads to better results in mental health care.(Joshua D Miller et al., 2019). Moreover, examining these traits within the framework of established psychological models promises to refine our understanding, potentially leading to targeted interventions that address their callous-manipulative core (Furnham A et al., 2013). As researchers develop more comprehensive measurement tools and methodologies, the capacity to disentangle these overlapping variables will improve. This clarity can help clinicians tailor therapeutic approaches, thereby enhancing the efficacy of interventions aimed at individuals exhibiting traits associated with the Dark Triad, ultimately fostering more constructive outcomes in mental health care.

Additional AIHCP Blogs

Sociopathy and Psychopathy- Click here

Additional Resources

“Sociopath v. Psychopath: What’s the Difference?”. Kara Mayer Robinson. February 14th, 2022. WebMD. Access here

“Machiavellianism”. Psychology Today. Access here

“What Is the Dark Triad? 9 Signs To Watch Out For” (2025). Cleveland Clinic. Access here

Frothingham, M. (2024). “Dark Triad Personality Traits”. Simply Psychology. Access here

Video Blog on Subconscious Mind and Hypnotherapy

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Mark Moran

Understanding the subconscious mind during clinical hypnosis. Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Program

Narrative Therapy and Grief

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Mark Moran

There are numerous modalities and therapies to help individuals face grief and loss in a healthy way. Most psychotherapies share equal positive results in helping individuals deal with anxiety, grief, or other mental problems. In the case of depression, as well as prolonged grief disorders, they also share in efficacy but many counselors prefer integrated approaches sharing from one discipline and incorporated another. One type of therapy that many grief counselors find effective for grief and loss is Narrative Therapy. While Narrative Therapy may not be for everyone, nor the sole answer, it can play a part in helping individuals understand their loss in a more constructive and adaptive way.

Narrative Therapy helps the client find new meaning in the loss. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative Therapy is a type of constructivist therapy with postmodern philosophies developed by Michael Kingsley White and David Epston (Tan, 2022). According to Tan, postmodernism is a world view that truth is not objective or tied to merely observation or within the systems of language in which is described and hence is open to subjective experience (2022). Social Constructionism applies this principle that the client is the expert on what one experiences and understands one’s own subjective truth best without judgement of others (Tan, 2022). Narrative Therapy falls under this type of philosophy, albeit, many of its techniques can be applied outside its rigid definitions.

Narrative Therapy is closely tied to meaning making and in that regards in some ways to Existentialist Therapy and the importance of finding subjective meaning to one’s issues. Meaning is then created through social relationships, especially in one’s use of language in stories or narratives one shares. Due to this, meaning and subjective reality can be rewritten or reframe or re-understood by the client through Narrative Therapy (Tan, 2022). Narrative Therapy views human nature as basically positive and able to form new and better constructive directions through formulating healthier meanings about the past and present. This is especially true regarding grief, trauma and loss. Narrative Therapy opens the door for others to rewrite the story and replace past narratives that are saturated in negative and oppressive overtones.

Narrative Therapy finds many of its uses in David Neimeyer and his work utilizing meaning making and meaning reconstruction in grief counseling and loss.

Narrative Therapy at Work

A strong therapeutic relationship between client and counselor is required in Narrative Therapy. It borrows this from many Rogerian concepts that utilize empathy and understanding and a true connection. This type of connection is key in any type of grief counseling regardless of therapy and should be a fundamental concept for any one hoping to console the bereaved. Due to the fluid nature of grief, Narrative Therapy does not propose a guide book of handling grief or emphasizing one technique over another. It instead teaches that there is no true right or wrong way to conduct the therapy again applying to Rogerian person centered theories, as well as its social constructivist ideals (Tan, 2022).

Still, there are tools that are generally applied to individuals to help them move beyond their oppressive past narratives. The attempt is to better understand the past or loss or whatever narrative, reframe it with new meaning, and incorporate it into the overall life of the person. Much like any meaning reconstruction, where a person’s life is a likened to a book with various chapters, some good, some bad, but all delivering a theme and message of the wholeness of the person.

Journaling and reconstructing oppressive past narratives is key in Narrative Therapy and critical in Grief Couneling

First, question is key in Narrative Therapy. The therapist or grief counselor will ask a variety of questions to help assist the person in understanding oneself. The attempt is to help identify past oppressive narratives and to help the person become unstuck from those perceptions. The second tool is externalization and deconstruction. In this, the therapist hopes to help the person realize that he or she is not the problem, but the problem is the problem (Tan, 2022). The problem or attribute is detached from the individual and seen as an independent and external parasite in itself. This externalization serves as the starting point in facilitating deconstruction from the oppressive narrative (Tan, 2022). Narrative Therapy will help the client map the problem and its influence on one’s life and how profoundly or deeply it has negatively altered one’s life. Many times when mapping, the counselor will look to label the problem and again externalize it from the person during the deconstruction phase. A third tool is searching for unique outcomes. This is more solution based and the therapist helps the client identify times the client dealt successfully with the issue and how this can be incorporated again and at a more efficacious result. Fourth, therapists help clients reauthor their story and find different future outcomes from what they feel by the past oppressive narrative. They are also aided in reframing that story and taking control of it and finding meaning in that story. Finally, documenting the evidence of client’s progress is key. Therapist will include letters that the client later re-read that reinforces and summarizes the therapy when they are feeling less or discouraged.

Highly involved also in healing is writing. Clients are encouraged to journal, write letters to oneself or unsent letters to others, similar to Gestalt Therapy. Journaling is key to identifying oppressive feelings and themes, as well as controlling the narrative through the power of the subjective reality of the person writing their story. This is not to dismiss the event, or even to dismiss facts, but to reinterpret these events and meanings in a more conducive way to healing which sometimes means looking at the loss, event, or problem in a different light.

Ultimately the therapy looks to help clients to control their own narrative through cognitive processes and writing processes to form a new narrative. The client names the problem, explores how the problem has adversely affected him/her and explores new ways to interpret the the issue or find different meanings. In addition, the counselor helps the client identify times when he/she successfully dealt with said issues, as well providing the client with encouragement on imagining a sound and healthy future beyond the problem (Tan, 2022).

Conclusion

One can see the useful elements of Narrative Therapy and some of its independent tools in helping individuals, especially with grief. Individuals suffering from loss, or in some cases, pathological and traumatic loss need a therapeutic relationship that is filled with patience and empathy but they also need ways to face the past loss. They need to remove the negative narrative that haunts them regarding the loss and find new meaning about the loss and how to incorporate it into one’s life. This type of Meaning Reconstruction is a key element in Narrative Therapy and helps the person not only understand the past and find new meaning and authority over it, but also how to cope and develop a meaningful future that respects the past loss but also adjusts to it in a healthy and secure way.

New narratives can help individuals move forward from loss in a healthy way. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program

Grief Counselors who are clinically licensed can utilize this therapy for those suffering from prolonged grief disorder, while in some cases, elements of it can be used for those not suffering from pathological or complicated grief reactions. Journaling is a healthy element of Narrative Therapy for any case in understanding a loss and finding meaning in it.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification Program which is applicable for both non-clinical professionals as well as clinical professionals. Of course, only clinical professionals can utilize Narrative Therapy with those suffering from complicated, traumatic or prolonged grief disorders.

Reference

Tan, S-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychology: A Christian perspective (2nd Edition). Baker Academic.

AIHCP Blogs

Honoring Endings-Access here

Grief Journaling- Access here

Additional Resources

Ackerman, C. (2026). “What Is Narrative Therapy? Techniques & Worksheets”. PositivePsychology.com. Access here

Clark, J. (2025). “How Narrative Therapy Works”. VeryWellMind. Access here

Guy-Evans, O. (2025). “Narrative Therapy: Definition, Techniques & Interventions”. Simple Psychology. Access here

Narrative Therapy. Psychology Today. Access here

Behavioral Health and Positive Psychology

Posted on April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 by Mark Moran

Most psychotherapy schools look at removing pathology or what is wrong in the person. Counselors look to extinguish the problem and help the person overcome it but this approach, while classical and still beneficial, approaches the problem from the perspective of deficit. Positive Psychology looks to approach situations from a health perspective. It looks to identity what is right and positive in an individual and how one can again feel healthy by maintaining a healthy system and focusing on healthy and positive views that prevent pathology itself. It is an entirely different perspective of the classical analogy of the glass of water. Is the glass half full or half empty? Obviously, a positive mindset is a powerful thing and relaying on positive energy and resources can help a person find health. Positive Psychology focuses less on pathology but more on positive characteristics and strengths of the individual (Tan, 2022). Without over relying on a toxic positivity and false positive spin, Positive Psychology looks to help individuals utilize positive aspects of self to find healing and stay healthy

Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certifications and see if they meet your professional and academic goals.

Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology as developed by Tayyab Rashid and Martin Seligman (Tan, 2022). It looks to build upon what is already strong and help clients and patients flourish through positive emotions, relationships, work and meaning (Tan, 2022). It recognizes human nature as generally positive and pushes individuals to undertake and engage in positive interactions to maintain health. Instead of seeing pathology as a cause in itself, it sees pathology as a lack of positive character, strength and virtues (Tan, 2022). In regards to depression, instead of focusing on the depressed mood or negative feelings, Positive Psychology assesses why the lack of joy,, hope or delight (Tan, 2022). In regards to stress and anxiety, Positive Psychology looks at a sense of congruence though the concept of Salutogenesis. Aaron Atonovsky. Salutogenesis dictates that to remain healthy, one maintains and focuses on healthy life styles. Instead of permitting stress to break oneself down, one exhibits “coherence” as a way to face stress from a healthy perspective. Atonovsky pointed out that one needs to have comprehension of the situation, a manageability of it, and a strong understanding of purpose. In this way, the unhealthy reactions to stress can be limited by positive outlooks and emphasis on strengths of the person.

Techniques of Positive Psychology

The therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is essential in Positive Psychology. Seligman and Rashid pointed out that this relationship helps clients discover their own inner strengths and allows the client to grow and heal oneself through their innate strengths and character rather than focusing on the weaknesses of the client (Tan, 2022). They also identified five key possible mechanisms to promote change in the client. First, a re-education of self regarding positive experiences. Second, positive appraisals when recalling negative memories. Third, identifying character strengths and virtues. Fourth, using strengths in a balanced way, and finally, fifth, exploring meaning and purpose (Tan, 2022).

Within the therapy and its session, Seligman and Rashid illustrated important phases. Phase one included the creation of a gratitude journal which documented the daily blessings every night. In addition, a detailed discussion about character strengths and signature strengths to dwell upon followed by a self development plan entitled “Better Version of Me” to help develop one’s strengths to achieve certain goals. Session two includes readdressing past negative memories with better outlooks about it. It also includes forgiveness, as well as gratitude letters and lists. In phase three, the client focuses on hope and optimism, posttraumatic growth, positive relationships, positive communication, altruism and finding meaning and purpose (Tan, 2022). Through these phases and the numerous exercises, the client learns self efficacy, positive strengths and better self image to grow in authentic happiness and well being (Tan, 2022).

Strengths and Weaknesses of Positive Psychology

The particular views of Positive Psychology can be beneficial for some clients. In many cases, finding the positive outlook and perspective can be a powerful tool. It can also help one become more resilient, confident and self relying. It can help build up self image and teach one how to maintain a healthy mental outlook on life. However, for some, over use of positivity can be toxic because there does exist true pathology, especially in trauma, that needs examined. It is sometimes important to see the glass half empty at times when healing is required (Tan, 2022). Still, the positive twist and look to help individuals grow stronger is a good perspective and if utilized and interwoven can be a powerful tool for some individuals. Positive Psychology obviously looks for numerous subjective elements of the person’s inner strength. From a secular view, this can be applicable, but for a spiritual view, concepts of God and grace may need integrated for believers who find happiness in God, not self. Also, concepts of suffering and negative experiences have value in some religious traditions, so such therapy needs to take into account religious and spiritual beliefs and tie them together with health positive outlooks that do not dismiss these concepts.

Conclusion

Positive Psychology presents a fresh perspective that can be compelling and useful in some cases. It supports an excellent concept of internal efficacy and strength to face problems and the importance of maintaining healthy systems instead of focusing on broken down systems. It is beneficial for some, but not everyone. Sometimes, it can be integrated when needed in therapy with many of its concepts and tools in finding inner strength. For some who are religious, concepts of happiness may need tied to religious beliefs on God and suffering.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications, especially in Grief Counseling, Stress Management, Trauma Informed Care, and Spiritual Counseling Programs.

AIHCP Blogs

Stress Management and Salutogenesis- Access here

Behavioral Change- Access here

Other Resources

“Salutogenesis”. Wikiepedia. Access here

Joseph, J. & Sagy, F. (2022). Positive Psychology and Its Relation to Salutogenesis. The Handbook of Salutogenesis [Internet]. 2nd edition. Access here

Sabater. V. (2018). Martin Seligman and Positive Psychology. Access here

Reference

Tan, S-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychology: A Christian perspective (2nd Edition). Baker Academic.

Video Blog on Keys to Successful Hypnosis

Posted on April 8, 2026 by Mark Moran

This video discusses the nature of the subconscious mind and the keys to successfully helping individuals find change in their daily lives. Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Program

Behavioral Health and Psychotherapy

Posted on April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 by Mark Moran

Mental health is usually the most neglected part of one’s overall being. Even in the United States where so many eat unhealthy, ignore annual testing, and critical bloodwork and basic health, mental health even lags farther behind in concern. However, when physical symptoms of malady occur, quick and urgent solutions are sought through a physician. If one becomes acutely ill, one is encouraged to visit the doctor and find remedy, but when one manifests emotional or mental symptoms, far too many times, the symptoms are masked, ignored, or dismissed as “crazy” or as if only in one’s mind. While individuals are not labeled or stigmatized for high cholesterol or diabetes, individuals with anxiety, or depression are many times made to feel less or insane or mentally weak.

Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy with a variation of different approaches and schools of thought. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications

Mental health is health and it is important. Mental health is not something that just exists in one’s mind but it tied to not merely social and behavioral issues but also tied to physiological and biological factors that at times require medication like any outward condition. What exists in the mind is real and it is connected to physical health as well and if not treated can lead to other physical as well as social issues. Psychotherapy serves as a crucial way to help individuals understand themselves, their conditions and to validate their emotions. It grants to them a therapeutic relationship to find healing, as well as to find ways to cope and create better and safer ways of thinking and behaving. This short blog will look at what psychotherapy is, its efficacy, and some schools of psychotherapy and their techniques in helping individuals find healing.

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications, as well as its Behavioral Healthcare Certifications which include grief counseling, crisis counseling, trauma informed care, stress management, anger management, meditation instructor, Christian and spiritual counseling and many more!

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is considered a type of talk therapy to face individuals in psychological distress (Wampold, 2019). It is considered to be an acceptable as well as beneficial healing practice with roughly 10 million Americans involved in some type of psychotherapy a year (Wampold, 2019). The effectiveness of psychotherapy includes treatments for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, obsessive compulsion disorders, eating disorders, trauma, sexual and marital issues. Despite the effectiveness, the stigma and dismissal of mental health leaves up to 40 percent of the people who would be considered by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the DSM-5 as not receiving the mental help they require and need (Wampold, 2019).

Care for mental health is not something new that merely emerged onto the world stage upon the advent of modern science but has existed throughout the centuries through more humanistic and pastoral venues. These modalities utilized empathy, caring and meaning making within religious contexts to help people find peace and security in times of depression and anxiety (Wampold, 2019). However, at the turn of the 19th Century, the scientific method gained prominence in all fields of human inquiry and this eventually also effected the way individuals analyzed and studied mental health. In the later part of the 19th Century and early 20th Century, Sigmund Freud would emerge as a leader in psychoanalytic theory which would primarily utilize talk therapy as a way to understand mental pathology through the lens of the conscious and unconscious mind.

Following Freud, in the Mid 20th Century, the school of Behaviorism would become a dominant force through pioneers such as Joseph Wolpe and later Cognitive Behavioral Theory through the thoughts and genius of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. Later, more patient and modern concepts of Person Centered Therapies emerged through the concepts of Karl Rogers which emphasized the therapeutic relationship. In the post modern era, there are numerous different schools as well that not only have different approaches but also consider various cultural and gender based aspects of mental health and care.

Schools of Psychotherapy

According to Tan, there are numerous schools of thoughts in psychotherapy with some being completely original, while others are offshoots and subdivisions of others. More differing schools of thought can at times be at odds at core values and retain heated rivalries of thought, while other schools share similar core concepts and integrate previous concepts to evolving changes in modern treatment. There to this day exist pure schools of one discipline that a licensed professional can train within, as well as therapists who treat within that particular and only therapy, but many therapists and licensed counselors or social workers usually adhere to a blend of different methodologies borrowed from different schools to meet the needs of a client. Among the numerous schools exist Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Reality Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Therapy, Constructivist Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and Marital and Family Therapy (Tan, 2022).

Mental health is health. Psychotherapy is a proven and beneficial way to find healing and growth

We will examine only a few below to give a some understanding of the different modalities

Psychoanalytic Therapy

Psychoanalytic theory as proposed by Freud looks into the subconscious of a person to understand hysteria or pathology. Freud understood the human mind to consist of the Id, Ego and Superego. The Id represented humanity’s most basic instincts and drives. The ego represented humanity’s personal desires and sense of self. The Superego was the person’s superimposed cultural and religious ideals of right or wrong and morality. When these were in conflict, anxiety resulted. In addition, based upon one’s past progression throughout various sexual stages of life, one could become stunted or face pathology due to lack of development. These issues could be found within the forgotten subconscious manifesting later in life as pathology. Freud incorporated a variety of talk therapies to confront defense mechanisms that hid the problems of the mind, as well as dream analysis to help the person uncover the trauma or repressed event of the past. Freud’s strict adherence to his theories led to divisions with Alfred Adler as well as Carl Jung (Wampold, 2019).

Behavior Therapy

Behavior Therapy is the most empirical and studied based of the therapies. It stems from empirical observation and positivism of the early 20th Century and looked to understand mental health and behavior as something that stemmed from one’s environment. Behavior Therapy finds its core and foundational base in both classical and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning is based off Pavlov’s experiments with dogs and how they responded to various stimuli. Pavlov discovered that an unconditional response to a natural stimuli such as salivating to the presence of food, could become conditioned via a conditioned stimuli associated with the unconditioned one to create the same salivation or now conditioned response. For instance, the ringing of a bell associated with dinner time, over time could still elicit salivation when food was gradually removed from the sound. This proved that one could be conditioned or counter-conditioned to respond and behave to certain introduced stimuli and possible reverse negative behaviors. In addition to classical conditioning, Behavior Therapy also emphasizes the importance of operant conditioning which is based off basic child rearing of reward and punishment of certain behaviors. Parents can reward certain acts for good behavior through positive reinforcement, or remove negative stimuli from the event via negative reinforcement to increase or maintain a certain behavior If the parent is not looking to increase or maintain a behavior through positive or negative reinforcement, the parent can look to remove or decrease a certain behavior via punishment (Tan, 2022). These types of extinction approaches are how behavior can be modified through external stimuli via operant conditioning. Behavior Therapists utilize a variety of methods to help change behavior through modeling, token economies, systematic desensitization, and relaxation strategies (Tan, 2022).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be divided into Cognitive Therapy (CB) of Beck and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) of Ellis. There are multiple others based as well found within the CBT family tree including Stress Inoculation Training (SIT) as well as later developed mindful schools that include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Tan, 2022).

The primary branching of CBT from Behavior Therapy was the less deterministic view of conditioning and basing more human behavior on the response to mental representation of stimuli and hence the importance of understand pathology under the lens of a person’s cognition, attitude and perception of what is occurring (Wampold, 2019). Beck believed that cognitive distortions were a key issue with many mental issues. He introduced the idea of cognitive restructuring and helping the client restructure through coping strategies and problem solving therapies (Tan, 2022). So CBT looks beyond the mere limitation of maladaptive habits being formed due to external conditioning, but more attributes them to maladaptive or irrational thinking that leads to maladaptive feelings and behaviors (Tan, 2022). Beck listed a variety of cognitive distortions such as arbitrary inferences, selective abstractions, overgeneralizations, magnifying and minimizing, personalizing, and dichotomous thinking that lead to maladaptive behaviors (Tan, 2022). Ellis added that mental constructs such as “must”, “should” or “got to” can also lead to human unhappiness, emotional problems or neurosis (Tan, 2022).

Beck introduced techniques and interventions that challenged the person to question and overthrow maladaptive thinking and cognitive processes. He endorsred such talk therapies that included analyzing one’s own words that one uses to better understand one’s thinking (Idiosyncratic Meaning, as well as questioning the evidence of claims, reattribution or reevaluating other ways to interpret events, as well as as a host of other concepts such as decatastrophizing, fantasized consequences, labeling and scaling (Tan, 2022). Ellis also added such techniques and therapies as direct disputation or challenging of a belief, as well as his ABC model which included homework for the client to directly monitor and journal certain thoughts. Ellis also utilized humor, as well as role playing as effective methods to counter certain cognitive maladaptive thoughts (Tan, 2022).

Person Centered Therapy and Existentialist Therapies

Karl Rogers was instrumental following the behavioral theory waves with incorporating a more person centered type therapy that focused more strongly than ever before on the counselor/client relationship. Many of his counseling techniques and strategies are core elements of modern counseling. Rogers emphasized empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard for the client. Unlike past therapies, the counselor became a guide that helped the client uncover what is best for themselves. This now type of therapy unfolded into a person discovering their own ability of self healing through a tender guide and counselor.

Rogers hoped to allow the person to actualize their potential through a empathetic relationship. In valuing the experience itself, the counselor looks to help the client find personal growth through the person’s own actualization by discovering one’s true self and self worth. Person Centered Therapy looks to not solve the problem but help the person find the ability to heal and grow through congruence, empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness (Tan, 2022).

Existential therapies find their origin in existentialist philosophy. Individuals need to find meaning in their lives to find purpose and understanding of their human condition. One needs to embrace their inherent freedom to find meaning in their particular life. Meaning and labeling can lead individuals from dark places, but when this meaning is lacking, then it becomes difficult to move forward. Victor Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps, wrote extensively on meaning making and Logotherapy as ways to find meaning and to control one’s life. (Tan, 2022). Within the core of all existentialist philosophy is understanding the nature of anxiety as a natural part of life, taking control of one’s life, accepting the realities of life and death, and moving forward with a sense of meaning to one’s own life and journey (Tan, 2022).

What Therapy is Best

No one school is better than another. What matters most is the counselor/client relationship and what best therapy the client responds to

Despite the numerous therapies listed, or discussed, no one therapy has a true monopoly over another. Each have their own strengths and weaknesses and some even share in various common threads that tie them together. For instance, if one looks at views on human nature alone, psychoanalytical portrays a pessimistic outlook, behavioral portrays a neutral one, while humanistic paints an optimistic view. In regards to development, psychoanalytic sees human development as a series of psychosocial sexual stages tied to attachment theories, while behavioral views development from a learning and experiential standpoint. From a health standpoint, psychoanalytic views health as balance with ego, id, and superego, as well as security and healthy attachments, while behavioral schools view mental health as healthy adaptations, cognitions and absence of dysfunction. Humanistic schools would see health as congruence, awareness and acceptance of self. In regards to goals and outcomes, psychoanalytic would hope for a personality change due to a resolution between the subconscious mind and one’s current state. Behavioral schools would consider distress reduction and adaptive functioning as a final goal, while humanistic schools would for authenticity of self, self actualization and a meaningful existence as key (Wampold, 2019).

All of these outcomes seem healthy and each are achieved through different perceived roles of the therapist. One as direct and distant observer in psychoanalytic, one as a guide in behavioral, and one as a facilitator in person centered (Wampold, 2019). Ultimately the most important characteristic in any therapy is how well the therapist adheres to it and how well the client responds to it. In fact, the counselor/client relationship remains one of the most important elements in psychotherapy (Wampold, 2019). This is ironic, since of the major three, Person Centered Therapy values this relationship the most within the therapeutic relationship as emphasized by Rogers. Ultimately, the client makes it work (Wampold, 2019).

Regardless, even if Behavioral Therapy and CBT have the most empirical studies, no one therapy proves to stand out above another. It ultimately depends on the needs of the client and how their own individual needs respond to it. In this way, psychotherapy is more diverse and subjective than traditional physical medicine. Most counselors do not adhere to merely one theory but hold to a hybrid approach which finds a totality of truth in all of them together. They hence can cherry pick various techniques for certain clients and integrate as needed for the client (Wampold, 2019).

Psychotherapy, nonetheless, as a branch within itself, remains effective for mental health.

Conclusion

Psychotherapy is critical to mental health. Many face stigma over mental health and unfortunately, many disregard it as not as crucial or important as physical health. The reality is mental health is health and needs to be addressed through the variety of psychotherapies available. Many of the schools are very diverse in thought, while others share common attributes, but despite their differences, studies show all to be equally effective. Ultimately it comes down to the client and the abilities of the therapist. In fact, many therapists share and integrate from different schools of thought to find the best outcome of the patient.

Please also review AIHCP’s numerous behavioral health and healthcare certification programs

Please also review AIHCP’s numerous healthcare certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals. Please bear in mind, AIHCP’s certifications are not modalities of practice in themselves. AIHCP does not certify a licensed counselor in a particular modality but in certain types of counseling that are not regulated at the state level, such as grief counseling, or crisis counseling. Pathology and treatments discussed are reserved for licensed clinical counselors, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists alone. AIHCP behavioral health certifications are available to both clinical and non-clinical professionals and to be utilized within the scope of their professional and legal practice.

References

Tan, S-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychology: A Christian perspective (2nd Edition). Baker Academic.

Wampold, B. (2019). The basics of psychotherapy: An introduction to theory and practice. APA.

Other AIHCP Blogs

CBT. Access here

Behavioral Therapies. Access here

Rogerian Therapy and Depression. Access here

Freud and Defense Systems. Access here

Additional Resources

Guy Evans. (2025). Psychotherapy: Definition, Types, Techniques, & Efficacy. Simply Psychology. Access here

Psychotherapy (2022). Cleveland Clinic. Access here

Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic. Access here

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Mark Moran

CBT is one a tested and effected therapy for many basic mental issues that people face. It is utilized by numerous counselors for numerous cases of depression, anxiety, and other impulse issue related disorders. This blog continues from the behavioral therapy blog from AIHCP and focuses more on the cognitive element and second wave of behavioral therapy. Please also review AIHCP’s numerous behavioral healthcare certifications in grief counseling, stress management, anger management and crisis intervention.

How we think affects how we feel and behave. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is part of the second wave of behavioral therapy. It retains many of the core behavioral therapy characteristics that recognizes who we are due to behavioral formation but emphasizes the importance of cognitive aspects that reflect feelings and subsequent behaviors. According to Tan, CBT remains faithful to behavioral therapies various modifications but incorporates the cognitive processes associated with it (2022). The primary founds of cognitive behavioral approaches are Aaron Beck of CT, Albert Ellis of CBT and Donald Meichenbaum of stress inoculation trainding (SIT) (Tan, 2022).

According to Ellis, the root of most emotional problems stems from irrational beliefs and thinking. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy is to alter irrational beliefs to alter negative feelings and that produce negative outcomes and behaviors. CBT has three primary phases of help for a client. The first involves cognitive restructuring or changing maladaptive or dysfunctional thinking, secondly equipping the client with coping skills to handle stressful situations and finally help the client acquire problem solving skills to explore options and solutions to issues (Tan, 2022).

Unlike radical behavioral therapies that bind the person to their environment which produces behavior, CBT does not deny the free will of the person’s behavioral development but ties it more closely to the influence of thought on the mind (Tan, 2022). Some of the key basic theoretical principles of CBT include a neutral human nature that is neither good or bad, much like BT, but also emphasizes that the human organism primarily responds to cognitive representations of one’s environment than to the environment itself. In addition, CBT views the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of a person to be all causally interrelated and connected. Due to this, attitudes, expectations and attributes and other cognitive activities are essential clues to understanding ones psychopathological behavior. CBT therapies envelop testing and empirical verification to better assist the client in reliable strategies and healing modalities to overcome these pathologies. Through this healing process, CBT recognizes the behavioral therapist as a educator and diagnostician who identifies the pathology within the client and helps the client design new experiences and thoughts to remove the dysfunctional cognition and abnormal behavioral reactions (Tan, 2022).

Cognitive Distortions

Cognitive distortions or how people think play a key role in how one feels and reacting poorly to life situations. Many automatic thoughts in childhood create basic assumptions about life which lead to maladaptive schemas that lead to bad behaviors (Tan, 2022). Beck believed that many of these cognitive distortions created these issues. Beck listed 6 types of cognitive distortions.

Arbitrary Inference-making a conclusion without significant evidence
Selective Abstraction-a conclusion based on details taken out of context while ignoring other relevant information
Overgeneralization- applying a general rule to all situations not necessarily related
Magnification or Minimization-perceiving an event as greater or less than it really is
Personalization-relating a causal event as correlated to oneself when the event is not related to oneself
Dichotomous thinking- viewing things in one or two extremes as complete success or complete failure

Tan lists various examples tied to these cognitive distortions. When making a conclusion without evidence can be likened to a mother believing she is a horrible mother because dinner was not on time due to working a long job. An example of selective abstraction would be a person who becomes jealous of a girl friend speaking to a man, but not knowing the man she is speaking to is her cousin. Overgeneralizing can be likened to a man who is turned down by a woman and then believing that all women will turn him down. In regards to magnifying or minimizing, a person who may believe if he or she fails this exam, the world will end and one’s life will be over. Personalization examples include someone who feels slighted by another and not concluding that the other person may have not meant anything by it or not even noticed it. Dichotomous thinking can be compared to someone thinking if they fail to get the position or job, then one is a complete and total failure as a person (Tan, 2022).

Ellis also added critical elements to understanding cognitive distortions. General irrational beliefs about life itself can lead to irrational reactions. Among the irrational beliefs that Ellis listed were (Tan, 2022)

The necessity of close to universal acceptance or love
The erroneous correlation of worth tied to competence and adequacy
Wicked people should always be punished
It is a terrible reality if things are not as a person wants them to be
A person cannot control one’s own happiness but is subject to the circumstances of life
Dangerous and fearsome things must constantly be thought about and avoided
Avoidance of uneasy difficulties as a life plan instead of facing them
A person should be dependent upon others
The past makes one who one is and there is no escaping that past
Other people’s problems should be a burden upon oneself
The correct solution to each problem must be discovered to avoid chao

In addition, Ellis hoped to remove the controlling thoughts that include the words “must”, “should”, or “have to” (Tan, 2022). CBT, or also rational emotion behavioral therapy (REBT) goes farther than CB of Beck and more strongly challenges the beliefs of the client, as well as differentiating between negative healthy emotions such as sadness and frustration as compared to unhealthy negative emotions such as depression and hostility (Tan, 2022).

Cognitive Techniques

There are variety of techniques at play within the mental toolbox for cognitive therapists.

Beck employed a variety of techniques within cognitive behavioral therapy. Beck would utilize the technique of idiosyncratic meaning to ask clients to utilize words to describe their thoughts and feelings. The counselor then analyzes the words and questions the client on why particular words are being used to describe oneself. Reattribution is a technique which forces clients to think of other reasons why something occurred. Commonly the counselor will ask one if there “is another way to look at this?” The counselor can also use rational responding as a technique which analyzes the evidence for or against something, what is more reasonable an explanation, limiting the extreme response of the person, and finding better ways to cope with the problem. Counselors or therapists can also utilize examining options and alternatives as a strategy to brainstorm other solutions. The counselor can use decatastrophizing as a way to illustrate how the client is blowing things out of proportion. CB therapists also utilize fantasized consequences which examines the supposed consequences of a situation to expose the irrationality of it. Closely related is the technique of exaggeration or paradox in which the client is asked to verbalize all fears and consequences to the utmost extreme. Upon reaching this height, the counselor then carefully walks the client back down to a more reasonable conclusion. Obviously, this type of therapy should be used with care for some clients with particular past traumas. Counselors also can try the technique of scaling to reduce the all or nothing feelings of a person. This involves numbering the issue on a scale of 1 to 100 to help the client truly understand the significance of something. Self talk is an important skill and technique as well that helps the client internally speak to oneself when confronted with the particular issue of control. An interior monologue of planned and self rehearsed responses to a given situation and then utilized. Thought stopping is yet another technique to help clients where the client is given control of maladaptive thoughts through the command of stop, or through distracting oneself from the thought itself. In addition to disruptive thoughts, counselors can help clients learn labeling of distortions in which the client is taught to identify the irrational and properly label it for what it is. Essential to this and many other techniques is the use of homework for clients. Clients can journal or in some cases put themselves in certain situations and practice these skills (Tan, 2022).

CBT/REBT

Ellis also employed a variety of techniques building upon Beck’s ideas to help individuals manage and control irrational thoughts and behaviors. Ellis helped clients learn the technique of disputing irrational beliefs as a way to face them. Ellis employed this foundational technique with the ABC model. A stands for the activation of the event or situation encountered, B stood for the beliefs that are usually irrationally tied to the event, and C stood for the consequences of those beliefs. Ellis would help individuals understand all three aspects of this to understand every step of the irritational episode and how to better dissect it (Tan, 2022). Ellis also utilized the concept of homework and applied it to the ABC model by asking clients to keep a journal at home in which the steps of ABC evolve also into DE, in which the client in journal form disputes the irrational belief of the day and to note the unhealthy effects. Ellis also emphasized a changing in language. He especially dismissed demanding language that involve “must”. In addition, Ellis was a big believer in psychoeducation as a way for individuals to understand themselves, and to apply what they learned in teaching others.

Beyond cognitive tools, Ellis also employed a variety of emotional tools to help understand one’s irrational thoughts. Emotionally, Ellis believed in the importance of unconditional self acceptance and the critical part the counselor played in conveying this to the client. Although no way as dependent as person centered therapy and the therapeutic relationship, CB and CBT does recognize the important role a counselor plays in helping guide the client. In such way, emotional support is important and various therapies can be utilized to help emotional healing. Rational emotional therapy teaches clients how to use mental imagery to visualize certain behaviors and thinking. Clients are encouraged to visualize negative emotional experiences and how to work through them. Emotionally, Ellis also believed that poking fun through humor was important. The use of humor technique utilizes humor as a tool to attack irrational thought. With emotion, self talk is also taken to a higher level, where the person moves from quiet internal discourse to verbally loud raised voice to dismiss the irrational thought. This is also accomplished in role playing between the counselor and client, where the counselor allows the client to rehearse something is emotionally upsetting (Tan, 2022). Many behavioral techniques include also tested behavioral techniques that are tied to operant conditioning, modification strategies, social skill training, relaxation trainings, stress management, and system desensitization (Tan, 2022).

Conclusion

Cognitive Behavioral (CB, CBT, REBT) are all byproducts of behavioral therapy but extend within its second wave to a more cognitive based approach. It is one of the most empirically based systems in psychology and is equally effective in treating numerous pathologies as most time tested strategies. It does not focus as much on the past as psychoanalytic theories but more so on the present and finding solution within the present. In addition, while it does stress more importance of the therapeutic relationship than psycho analytic, it does not go as far as person centered therapies. In its essence it sees humanity as neutral while other religious views portray humanity as broken but overall good.

CBT is a successful therapy that identifies irrational thought, how to cope with it and how to finally implement changes. Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certification programs

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications and see if they meet one’s academic and professional goals. AIHCP offers a variety of certifications in the behavioral fields. It is critical to remember that CBT, as all therapies, are reserved for only licensed professional counselors, social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists that a certified in CBT. AIHCP’s certifications can be utilized by clinical professionals as well as non-clinical professionals but AIHCP does not offer any certifications in CBT but these are reserved for various organizations with board approvals. If interested in applying CBT to one’s practice, one needs to be first licensed and also certified within that field. This does not mean certain tools and aspects of it cannot be utilized for non-pathological cases in the pastoral setting, but not as a therapy itself.