CBT vs. ACT: Comparison and Contrast of Psychotherapeutic Methods

            Cognitive-Behavioral Therapybeen reported as having an elevated negative
(CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapyeffect on any patients. Again, what works for
both derive from basic behavioral study andsome, may not work for others! ACT has been
treatment. Together, both methods have moreboth praised and condemned for its procedural
than served their intended purpose in the field ofmethods as well. Logically, it is imperative that the
behavioral studies. Separately, there are certainpatient become fully aware of their condition and
variables that distinguish the two approaches,the circumstances that dictate their behavior.
which further cause bias towards each methodHowever, the suggestion that mere coherence is
individually. Critics have considered both methodssufficient enough to correct these disorders has
practical; however, have further found proposedbeen considered by many professional to be
deficiencies and discrepancies in both techniques.absurd. In support of this technique, by
Nevertheless, the majority of this criticism derivesconditioning the avenue of perception and
from personal opinions based on desired resultschanging the perspective approach, or the
vs. personal preference of technique. What seemsindividuals' aspect angle, negative emotions and
failed to be realized is that behavioral, cognitive,behavioral patterns can be redirected into positive
and acceptance and commitment techniques areself-awareness and progressive remission.
not suppose to be considered "the way," but            In theory, regarding basic
rather "a way!" The term "by any meansbehavioral therapy, CBT, and ACT, all three
necessary" should probably be considered prior tomethods could be utilized in the form of
formulating preference. What works for some,progressive therapy. By this I am suggesting that
either patient or counselor, may not work foran individual begins with basic behavioral
others! However, there are still those that preferconditioning by diagnosing the disorder, and
a specific method despite the circumstances.beginning treatment. In the next phase, the
            CBT does not appear to be apatient is confronted with the effects of their
very subtle approach in that it is verydisorder and subjected to radical methods of
confrontational. It has a sort of "sink or swim"reversing the effects and perspectives. Finally, the
appeal. Immediately following the identification ofpatient becomes fully aware of their condition,
the cause for a certain disorder, plans are put intohow it manifested, and how it can be further
effect to confront the variables head on. Thisavoided by simply acknowledging the presence of
method is questionable due to the fact that thetheir disorder and the effective variables that are
cause is being utilized as a control towardsincorporated within it. To put into a more simplified
procedural alleviation of negative effects. Someaspect, consider the following examples. Behavioral
have even considered this "make or break"therapy patient: "Issues have consumed me, I'm
technique a sense of torture, or a derivative of ain counseling, and I'm taking Prozac!" Cognitive
"scare tactic." Nevertheless, despite the presumedtherapy patient: "I have found a way to control
inhumane conditions, this approach has been moremy emotions by confronting my anxiety and
than effectively applied, and very few cases havefears!" ACT patient: "Things happen, let's move on!