The treatment of social phobia using cognitive behavior therapy

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[...] One of the problems social phobia patients face is changing their initial reactions when they are faced with intimidating social situations. They automatically think they will be embarrassed or judged. These automatic negative thoughts ultimately affect the patient's behavior. Doctors use “Socratic questioning” to change their patient's belief systems. Soon patients realize the affects their thinking has on their actions (Grant, 2007). Common cognitive behavioral treatments include homework assignments, self- monitoring, exposure therapy, and relapse prevention (Grant, 2007). Homework assignments are a crucial part of cognitive behavioral therapy. [...]

[...] Over the years there have been many studies that examine both social phobia and treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy and REBT. Studies based around social phobia suggest several different therapeutic and medicinal treatments (Hollander, 2008). A recent study done in 2000 suggests that cognitive therapy, group therapy, and practice (like exposure therapy) are affective treatments of social phobia (Cottraux et al 2000). Another study compares cognitive behavioral therapy with “psychoeducational-supportive control intervention” (Heimberg et al., 1990). Again cognitive-behavioral therapy was more affective. [...]

[...] After about 18 weeks of cognitive therapy he was able to engage in social activity without experiencing the same anxiety or embarrassment (Sobel, 1989). Cognitive therapy is one of the many ways therapists treat social phobia. Some prefer behavior therapy, or REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) (Froggatt, 2005). But many patients find relief using cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychosocial therapy that encourages patients to take an active role in their treatment. Cognitive- behavioral therapy is based on the theory that dysfunctional or disruptive behavior stems from dysfunctional or disruptive patterns of thinking. [...]

[...] Cognitive therapy has helped thousands of people overcome mental illnesses like social phobia. However, some people find Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (or REBT) to be just as affective. REBT was developed in the 1950's by psychologist Albert Ellis (McMahon, 2007). Cognitive therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy were both built upon aspects of REBT. REBT is not simply a treatment technique. It is also a theory; REBT claims that human behavior is derived by a combination of biology, psychology, and social interactions. [...]

[...] Today social phobia is defined as marked or persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny from others. The individuals fear that he or she will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing” (Barlow, 1995). The symptoms of social phobia can be physical, mental, and emotional. Anxiety, blushing, palpations, sweating, and trembling are very common physical symptoms of social phobia. But emotionally and mentally, people with social phobia tend to be self-critical and very conscious of themselves in social situations. [...]