Kavya, 17, grew up with parents who seldom had time for her. In Class 11, her teacher mocked her answer in front of the whole class. Since then the thoughts 'Nobody cares about me' and 'I will never succeed' keep coming back, and she feels low and worried most days. Her counsellor does not argue with her or tell her what to do. Instead she gently asks, 'Why must everyone like you?' and 'What does success mean to you?' Over a few weeks Kavya begins to doubt these thoughts, and her low mood and worry slowly ease.
Which of the following best describes the main aim of the counsellor's approach in Kavya's case?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → To alter her dysfunctional schemas so that cognitive restructuring reduces her anxiety and depression
Option (1) To help her find meaning and responsibility in her life whatever her circumstances — Incorrect. Finding meaning and responsibility in any situation is the goal of Frankl's logotherapy. Kavya's problem is not a loss of meaning but distorted thoughts about her own worth.
Option (2) To bring her repressed childhood conflicts into conscious awareness through free association — Incorrect. Bringing repressed conflicts into awareness through free association is the aim of psychodynamic therapy. Kavya's counsellor works on her present thoughts about herself.
Option (3) To change her unwanted behaviour by rewarding the wanted behaviour in small steps — Incorrect. Rewarding wanted behaviour step by step is a behavioural technique. Here the counsellor changes how Kavya thinks through questioning; no behaviour is being rewarded.
Option (4) To alter her dysfunctional schemas so that cognitive restructuring reduces her anxiety and depression — Correct. Kavya's thoughts grow from an early belief about herself, set off by the classroom insult. In Beck's cognitive therapy, gentle questions make the client think against such thoughts, so she can alter her dysfunctional schemas. This change is cognitive restructuring, and it reduces anxiety and depression.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Therapy … |