Dave Wood: Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Dave Wood has many issues that has crippled his lifestyle. In this assessment we will discuss whether cognitive behavior therapy, and behavior therapy is suited for Dave. We will also talk about Dave’s triggers, the types of reinforcement he underwent during his childhood, and his negative beliefs. Behaviorism is changing maladaptive behavior through the use of operant conditioning. While cognitive behaviorism operates under the principle that by changing thinking patterns, one can alter feelings and behavior. Throughout Dave’s life we can say that he has been through various obstacles. Through these past events Dave can’t really express himself with emotions. He openly admitted he is impulsive and quick to anger. He talked about his poor …show more content…
There are two forms of reinforcement, which are positive reinforcements and negative reinforcements. Was Dave given any type of positive reinforcement throughout his life? I don’t believe he did but I do believe that his life was full of disciplinary actions. In his hostile household he was beaten by his uncle Tyler whenever he would raise his voice against his mother. How can anyone ever improve when they are mentally and psychically abused? His older brother Richard constantly told him that he wouldn’t amount to much. His uncle said he was the reason there was tension in the house. This negative environment implies that Dave is always at fault. If Dave leaves his environment and surrounds himself with caring individuals then he might have a normal …show more content…
In this therapy an individual is supposed to recognize the irrational belief, confront the belief, dispute the belief, and replace it with a more rational belief. These feelings are not always reduced but are less severe where one learns to live with the belief. He has a number of negative beliefs such as, “I’m not good enough,” “It’s always my fault,” “Everyone hates me,” and “Don’t trust anyone.” For example, I want to discuss the belief of “It’s always my fault.” A therapist would say why? Why do you believe it is your fault? Dave was born and raised believing that it’s always his fault. Thanks to his uncle and older brother they have burned the idea of fault to his brain. Dave has to realize that it’s not just him. He isn’t perfect and neither are any of his family members. He then has to come up with a rational belief such as “It’s okay to make mistakes, no one is perfect.” This rational belief doesn’t put all the blame on Dave and it also claims it is okay to make mistakes here and there. I would suggest that Dave should try behavioristic and cognitivist therapy because I believe everyone could benefit from a little therapy. I also believe that Dave should look into other therapies. I recommend he tries psychodynamic therapy to help tear down his defense mechanisms. While looking for a deeper meaning in his suppressed emotions. Dave talked about