Challenges of the Cognitive Approach

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Text by Dr. Arthur Janov

Outline • Content Description • Overall Objective • Practical Outcome Objectives

Outline

1.  Cognitive therapy in light of brain structure and function

2.  Feelings and the nature of reality in cognitive therapy

3.  On thought control

4.  Comments on EMDR, directed daydreaming, and imagining therapy

5.  Example:  Elevator phobia:  idea-based vs. feeling approach

6.  Insights in cognitive vs. primal therapy

7.  Tears and crying in cognitive vs. primal therapy
 

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Content Description

This course presents an evaluation of cognitive therapy relative to primal theory and findings from the practice of primal therapy.  The author explores the relationship between feelings and ideas, and corresponding phenomena in brain structure and physiology.  The author presents a thesis that cognitive therapy operates principally on the cortex, rather than the entirety of the nervous system, and misses the imprint of early pain and trauma, which resides in subcortical brain structures.  The result, according to the author, is that cognitive therapy has only palliative effects, and leaves unchanged the individual's vulnerability to neurotic symptoms.  The author elaborates the view of ideas in primal therapy (specifically, that ideas are an outgrowth of a whole biological system), and discusses the significance of crying in effective therapy.
 

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Overall Objective

Communicate the challenges of cognitive therapy for addressing feelings, early pain, and imprints; convey the importance of heeding brain structure and functioning in the practice of psychotherapy; improve understanding of the relationship between thoughts/beliefs and feelings.
 

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Practical Outcome Objectives

1.  The student will have a better understanding of the effects, potential, and limitations of cognitive therapy.

2.  The student will have a greater appreciation for the significance of history in individuals, and its effect on thoughts and beliefs.  This appreciation can contribute to the effectiveness of health and mental health professionals.
 

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