Application of Cognitive Behavior Theory

Ella Schultz is a 16-year-old bisexual female with traumatic symptomology caused by long-term verbal and physical abuse from her father and emotional neglect from her mother. From a cognitive-behavioral theoretical framework, Ella’s behavioral and emotional struggles are conceptualized as the byproduct of maladaptive thought processes formed in response to the traumatic event and dysfunctional home environment (Franklin & Jordan, 2024). Cognitive distortions involving her self-esteem, safety, and trust most likely underlie her emotional pain and avoidant behavior: Application of Cognitive Behavior Theory.

To explore her case further, I would ask her, “What are your thoughts when thinking about reconnecting with your mom?” and “How do you interpret interactions with your dad from the past, and how have those affected your emotions and behaviors today?” Treatment goals would be helping Ella develop healthier, adaptive thinking patterns about her self-worth and family relationships, and symptom reduction of fear, anxiety, and traumatic avoidance.

The treatment plan would involve cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation (Cuijpers et al., 2023). These would challenge Ella’s negative thinking of Ella toward herself and others and promote healthy social engagement and emotional regulation.

One outcome measure of the success of the intervention would be a decrease in Ella’s negative automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions, measured with self-report instruments such as the Cognitive Distortions Scale. This aligns with cognitive behavior theory’s (CBT) approach of measuring changes quantitatively with regard to cognition and behavior.

One strength of CBT is that it is a structured, goal-set approach whereby the client, such as Ella, can take control of their thoughts and behavior. One weakness of CBT is that it will not address underlying emotional or structural pathology (Gkintoni et al., 2025). For example, her emotional fears of rejection based upon her bisexuality will not be addressed.

In terms of diversity, treating Ella with CBT would need to be considerate of her sexual identity and cultural background. According to González-Prendes and Thomas (2009), culturally responsive clinical practice requires the practitioner to consider the artistic value and meaning of the client’s behaviors and belief patterns. Ella’s world is informed by stigma based on her identity and the heritage of skewed power. A culturally sensitive CBT approach would then be an acknowledgment of her experiential world while addressing the behavioral and cognitive challenges.

References

Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Harrer, M., & Stikkelbroek, Y. (2023). Individual behavioral activation in the treatment of depression: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy Research, 33(7), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2023.2197630

Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (2024). Turners social work treatment (7th ed.). Oxford University Press Academic. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780197678046.

Gkintoni, E., Vassilopoulos, S. P., & Nikolaou, G. (2025). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in clinical practice: A systematic review of neurocognitive outcomes and applications for mental health and well-being. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(5), 1703. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051703

González-Prendes, A. A., & Thomas, S. A. (2009). Culturally sensitive treatment of anger in African American women: A single case study. Clinical Case Studies, 8(5), 383–402. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650109345004

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch