Cognitive behavior therapy examines the effects the thoughts have on the behavior, moods, and actions of a person. Josh seems to be having negative thoughts where feels that the classmates hate him and they exclude him when doing things. Using Cognitive Behavior therapy, first, I will let Josh understand that they are thoughts that influence how we feel, act and behave. Thus, his behavior and feeling are out of negative thoughts he has. I will teach Josh on how to differentiate the negative thought from the right thoughts and develop the skills of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones to feel appropriately (Hirshfeld-Becker et al., 2008). I will let him feel that he is just like other pupils and they would like him to accompany them and work with them. Let him feel that they have all gone to learn and the school does not discriminate pupils.
On the other hand, the solution-focused therapy pays much attention to the solutions rather than the problems the patients are facing. The main intention is for the patient to work towards achieving the goals he or she has. First, Josh wants to get along with other pupils well. So the first session will be problem free talk with Josh to engage with him and understand the person he is, the hobbies, interests and the strength (Gingerich, & Wabeke, 2001). Then I will ask Josh to state the goals he wants to achieve; his problem then help him to frame the goals. Josh's best goal can be "I want to have as many friends as possible to play with at school and home." Then I will let Josh tell me what are the best hopes for life in future including the life he would like to have once the problem has gone by applying miracle questions and less dramatic "tomorrow" questions.
Cognitive behavior therapy is beneficial to children such that they can learn new and important skills of identifying negative thoughts and dealing with them rather than just accepting them. Their ability to deal with the problem will as well be enhanced. By breaking down the challenges into smaller parts to solve them, children become proactive. It also takes the shorter time than others (McLellan, Peters, & Rapee, 2016). On the other hand, the cons of Cognitive behavior therapy include the fact that in case of no cooperation and commitment from the side of the patient, then he or she would not get the best from the process. It is time wasting especially in cases where the patient has to attend regular sessions and do some extra work. It may not work for people with mental health needs that are complex.
On the other hand, the solution-focused therapy may work well for patients who want to achieve certain goals though it may not be effective in some cases. Since it is a goal-oriented therapy, patients can identify what they can do well. Also, through the solution-focused therapy, patients fully utilize the strength they have to reach their goal (Kvarme, Aabø, & Sæteren, 2013). However, the solution-focused therapy may not be effective since it is only for the short-term period hence the solution may not be long-lasting. In some cases, the patients may be undergoing strong problems that may make it difficult to focus on the set goals. Also, there is the likelihood that the set goals may reflect what pleases the therapist not what the patient can manage.
In the case of Josh, the most effective therapy would be Cognitive Behavior therapy since it focuses on the main problem the boy is undergoing. For a better solution, always solving the problem should be the first option. Thus, once Josh can change the thoughts, his behaviors and feelings will change and will automatically get the friends he needs to play with and do classwork together.
Question: In reflecting on what I shared, what might you "do" specifically to address these issues with Josh in session using CBT? How do you use CBT with a young child like this in a session?