Aarav, a 19-year-old college student in Lucknow, has been anxious and low for months. His parents, both busy with work, had little time for him when he was small. Last year a lecturer laughed at his answer in front of the whole class. Since then he keeps telling himself that he is useless and will fail at everything he tries. His counsellor does not argue with him or give him orders. Instead, she asks him calm questions, such as why everyone must approve of him and what success means to him. After about fifteen sessions, Aarav feels much less anxious.
Which of the following best describes the aim of the counsellor's method?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Cognitive restructuring, by which his dysfunctional schemas are altered
Option (1) Cognitive restructuring, by which his dysfunctional schemas are altered — Correct. Aarav's early neglect and the public insult have left him with persistent negative thoughts. The counsellor's calm, non-threatening questions make him think against these thoughts. This is Beck's cognitive therapy, whose aim is cognitive restructuring, which reduces anxiety and depression.
Option (2) Working through transference, by which his repressed childhood conflicts are resolved — Incorrect. Transference belongs to psychodynamic therapy: the client puts onto the therapist feelings once held towards parents. Aarav's childhood is only the background here; the counsellor questions his present beliefs and does not work on such feelings.
Option (3) Systematic desensitisation, by which his anxiety is gradually extinguished — Incorrect. Systematic desensitisation is a behaviour therapy method. The client is relaxed and then faces anxiety-causing situations step by step. The counsellor here uses questions about beliefs.
Option (4) Finding meaning and responsibility, by which his existential anxiety is reduced — Incorrect. Finding meaning and responsibility is the goal of existential therapy (logotherapy). The counsellor here does not search for life's meaning; she disputes Aarav's negative beliefs about himself.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Therapy … “Repeated occurrence of these thoughts leads to the development of feelings of anxiety and depression. The therapist uses questioning, which is gentle, non-threatening disputation of the client’s beliefs and thoughts. Examples of such question would be, “Why should everyone love you?”, “What does it mean to you to succeed?”, etc. The questions make the client think in a direction opposite to that of the negative automatic thoughts whereby s/ he gains insight into the nature of her/ his dysfunctional schemas, and is able to alter her/his cognitive structures. The aim of the therapy is to achieve this cognitive restructuring which, in turn, reduces anxiety and depression.” |