How the Principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Other Evidence-Based Therapies Can Help Your Family

Abstract

Several evidence-based types of therapy discussed in this chapter have been shown to be effective treatments for depression. These include cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, and behavioral activation therapy. Third-wave forms of therapy are also detailed, including dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. These have less evidence for their effectiveness but show promise. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has been shown to prevent relapse of depression. The techniques from all of these schools can be used in plans for the prevention of depression. Detailed attention is given to such techniques from cognitive behavior therapy as decatastrophizing; challenging negative assumptions, all-or none thinking, and overgeneralizations; and cognitive reframing and restructuring. Knowledge of these techniques can make parents better informed consumers when arranging treatment for their children. as well as identify ways they might be directly helpful to a distressed teen.