Psychology

Cognitive behavioral therapy remains one of the most effective methods of addressing the mental disorders due to its ability to identify and indeed modifying the key dysfunctional and emotional thinking. Its effective application is further more effective compared to other therapies in that it factors the input of both the patient and the therapist.

In the theory development, Becky Aaron indicated that the negative schemas at any time must be identified and addressed as the basis of generating new viewpoints for the patients (Wayne, 2008). However, as emergent researchers indicate, other therapies are increasingly being used with variant efficacy levels. It is from this consideration that this paper intrinsically evaluates cognitive behavioral therapy by comparing it with other therapies employed in the clinical practice. Finally, it examines the key strengths and weaknesses depicted by CBT.

Comparison with other therapies

Basis of CBT 
Cognitive behavioral therapy entails use of collaboration techniques between the patient and the therapist to facilitate the ability of the former to have alternatives and eventually change perceptions on the distorted thoughts, unrealistic, and often unquestioned views that are indeed less helpful to them.  This therapy is based on the consideration that mental disorders such as depression are maintained and even worsened by selective abstraction, minimization of positives, maximization of negatives, and arbitrary inference (Jesse, 2004).

Psychodynamics therapy
Unlike the cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamics therapy is strongly influenced by the object theory and based on Freuds psychosexual personality development, the human defense mechanism, as well as free association in recall and interpretation s. Therefore, it entails   addressing the key unresolved issues in an individuals life.  In this therapy, the patient talks as the therapist uses his intrinsic understanding to generate the needed interpretations after which he seeks to influence the internal processes of patients personality  (frank and  Arthur, 2007).  The therapist therefore facilitates key influence for the childhood experiences, the unconscious, the ego, and finally the super ego in achieving the needed change. This therapy has however received major criticism as analysts indicate that it presents key disconnect between application and how it affects the internal processes to being the needed personality changes.

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) on the other hand is based on the need to bring happiness and self fulfillment. Unlike the cognitive behavioral therapy where both the patient and the therapist are directly involved in addressing the problem, this therapy is education oriented. REBT framework is based on the assumption that human beings have both the innate rational construct and the irrational construct that determine their behaviors. Frank and Arthur (2007) explain that this therapy holds that people are responsible of their behaviors and can therefore be influenced to act positively through an educational process. Therefore, the therapist directly teachers their patients how to effectively identify the irrational aspects such as self defeat, anger, shame, and guilt among others. To address them therefore, the therapist employs assignments that facilitate constructive and rational ways of behavior and emoting.  

Crisis theory
The crisis theory is on the other hand based on the need to address a major problem affecting an individual. The theory holds that for crises to occur, an individual will have tried to address the situation he is undergoing through without success that culminates to emotional blockage. It is worth noting that though a problem may result to crisis in an individual it may be very simplistic to others. Therefore, this method entails bringing the victim to comprehending the problem and facilitating the correct coping skills. Besides, the process further involves enhancing the ability to employ alternative mechanisms in addressing various problems that encounters them at different times (Gerald (2005).  

Alignment with values of social work
Jane and Thomas (2005) argue that the foundation of social work is the need to maintain high levels of human value and virtues while underscoring the dynamic nature of the human system. CBT is therefore considered to strongly adhere to these values in its application.  Unlike other therapies, the method is based on the direct interaction and cooperation of the patient and the therapist. Therefore, the therapist is able to understand the demand and preferences of the patient. As a result, it is much easier to articulate the decisions which are ethically acceptable for the patient and the whole society. The method further generates the need for respecting values by providing an integrative method of addressing the patients problem in the society through encouragement of alternative mechanisms and change in the wider society.  Finally, like other methods, it is geared towards improving the community and the whole societal outlook as a key facet towards its growth and development.

Strengths and weaknesses of CBT 
CBT has over the years been assimilated due to its efficacy in addressing mental disorders for the patients. The method is particularly effective for articulating the input of both the patient and therapist. Jesse (2004) indicates that it facilitates the ability to generate the needed assurance for both parties as they open up and cooperate to address the problem. Gerald (2005) explains that once an individual is able to gather the necessary confidence on the doctor, the relationship becomes mutual and therefore easier for the patient to apply the requirements by the therapist even when they are not together.

However, CBT has been accused of being highly short term and giving the past considerations of the patient less emphasis. Therefore, by overlooking the broader clinical considerations for the patients, Jane and Thomas (2005) indicate that that it may fail to address the problems effectively and therefore culminating to their resilience with time.

Conclusion
It is from the above discussion that this paper concludes by supporting the thesis statement, cognitive behavioral therapy remains one of the most effective methods of addressing the mental disorders due to its ability to identify and indeed modifying the key dysfunctional and emotional thinking.  However, it calls for more studies on its efficacy and other methods to ascertain further particularistic effectiveness.