The Use of Cognitive and Experiential Techniques to Treat Depression

Abstract

Treatment of a young woman for symptoms of depression and adjustment problems incorporated cognitive and experiential techniques. Cognitive techniques were used to identify beliefs in incompetence and unlovability of self, and uncontrollability of situations; but logical analysis and challenge of these beliefs proved ineffective. The therapist hypothesized that these core beliefs were not altered by cognitive challenge because they were not fully activated. An obstacle to treatment was the client’s reluctance to fully engage these painful beliefs. Several months into treatment, as depression symptoms increased, a Gestalt two-chair dialogue helped the client make contact with a constellation of beliefs and emotions surrounding vulnerability and competence. Through this work, the client’s belief in her incompetence and unlovability appeared to be dislodged and her belief in the uncontrollability of her situation reduced.