PSY 720 - Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Approaches I

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This course will examine basic concepts and applications of cognitive, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral theories and therapies within the historical context of the prominent theories. Students will be introduced to theory, basic techniques, and evidence-based applications of various models. The course will cover theoretical conceptualization and the basic application of therapeutic interventions and techniques. The focus will be on classical and operant learning; two-factor theory; and cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, and social-cognitive theories and therapies. Theorists include Watson, Thorndike, Pavlov, Skinner, Kelly, Mowrer, Beck, Meichenbaum, Foa, Young, Lazarus, Ellis, and Bandura. Topics such as classical and operant conditioning, operant procedures, reinforcement contingencies, extinction, social reinforcement, token economies and their applications, progressive muscle relaxation, in-vivo and covert systematic desensitization, in-vivo and covert exposure, flooding, behavioral assessment, cognitive restructuring, skills training, self-instructional training, and other behavior-therapy techniques will be discussed. Cognitive processes that may negatively impact human function also will be learned, as well as their applications to normal and abnormal behavior in diverse cultural populations. Special consideration will be given to ethnic, cultural, and individual differences.