Meera, a 24-year-old trainee at a Pune software firm, was often neglected by her parents as a child. Last month her team leader mocked her presentation in front of the whole team. Since then she keeps thinking "I am stupid" and "I will not succeed", and feels anxious before every meeting. Her psychologist first noted what Meera does before, during and after meetings, and then chose a mix of methods suited to her. These include deep-breathing relaxation, gentle questions such as "What does it mean to you to succeed?", practice of short presentations, and a move to a more supportive team. The psychologist explains each method to Meera and plans about 15 sessions.
Meera's treatment shows a feature that cognitive therapy shares with another therapy. Which of the following is it?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Like behaviour therapy, it focuses on solving a specific problem of the client.
Option (1) Like psychodynamic therapy, it works through the client's transference to the therapist. — Incorrect. Transference, the client's feelings towards the therapist, is worked through in psychodynamic therapy. Meera's psychologist does not use it. She also shares her methods openly, which psychodynamic therapy does not do.
Option (2) Like behaviour therapy, it focuses on solving a specific problem of the client. — Correct. Meera's therapy targets one problem, her anxiety before meetings, with set methods and a short plan. Cognitive therapy, like behaviour therapy, focuses on solving a specific problem of the client.
Option (3) Like logotherapy, it helps the client find meaning in life whatever her circumstances. — Incorrect. Helping a client find meaning in life is the goal of Frankl's logotherapy. The question "What does it mean to you to succeed?" is a gentle challenge to her negative thought.
Option (4) Like client-centred therapy, it reflects the client's feelings by rephrasing her statements. — Incorrect. Reflection by rephrasing the client's statements belongs to Rogers' client-centred therapy. Meera's psychologist questions her thoughts and uses relaxation and practice, so there is no reflection here.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Therapy … “Similar to behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy focuses on solving a specific problem of the client. Unlike psycho-dynamic therapy, behaviour therapy is open, i.e. the therapist shares her/his method with the client. …” |