Cognitive Restructuring Techniques

Abstract

Cognitive restructuring therapy and semantic therapy are generic terms that refer to a variety of therapeutic approaches whose major mode of action is modifying the patient’s thinking and the premises, assumptions, and attitudes underlying his cognitions. The focus of therapy is on the ideational content involved in the symptom, namely, the irrational inferences and premises. Thus, the semantic or cognitive therapist attempts to familiarize himself with his patient’s thought content, style of thinking, feelings, and behaviors, in order to understand their interrelationships.

Man is disturbed not by things but the views he takes of them.

—Epictetus²⁶

The only feature common to all mental disorders is the loss of common sense (sensus communis) and the compensatory development of a unique private sense (sensus privatus) of reasoning.

—Immanuel Kant

If we wish to change the sentiments it is necessary before all to modify the idea which has produced [them], and to recognize either that it is not correct in itself, or that it does not touch our interests.

—Paul Dubois

It is very obvious that we are influenced not by “facts” but by our interpretation of facts.

—Alfred Adler