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.
The therapy plan described in the passage is best identified as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Option (1) Systematic desensitisation — Incorrect. Systematic desensitisation is one behavioural technique by Wolpe for phobias. It pairs relaxation with a fear hierarchy, but does not question the client's thoughts.
Option (2) Rational Emotive Therapy — Incorrect. Rational Emotive Therapy, by Albert Ellis, works only on irrational beliefs through ABC analysis and questioning. It has no relaxation, practice tasks or change of setting.
Option (3) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy — Correct. Meera's plan mixes gentle questions about her thoughts with relaxation, practice tasks and a change of team. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy combines cognitive therapy with behavioural techniques and takes a bio-psychosocial approach.
Option (4) Logotherapy — Incorrect. Logotherapy, by Victor Frankl, helps a person find meaning in life. It deals with spiritual anxiety.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy |