American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Techniques such as reattribution, role playing, and thought recording are integral to this therapeutic approach.

Reattribution helps clients understand their thoughts and feelings by assigning different meanings to experiences, which can lead to more adaptive thinking. Role playing allows individuals to practice social skills and explore different perspectives, which can aid in breaking maladaptive thought patterns. Thought recording involves documenting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify cognitive distortions and work towards restructuring those thoughts.

Abreaction, on the other hand, refers to the process of releasing pent-up emotions through reliving past traumas or distressing memories. This technique is typically associated with psychodynamic or experiential therapies rather than cognitive therapy. Therefore, its absence in cognitive therapy aligns with the focus on structured cognitive restructuring rather than emotional catharsis.