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27 Dec 2025
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Understanding Cognitive Treatments for Depression - AO1 Psychology AQA
1 / 4
Ellis' Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy
REBT is all about spotting irrational thoughts and swapping them for healthier ones. The therapy follows a clear four-step process that combines thinking and behaviour changes.
First, your therapist will directly challenge your beliefs - this might feel uncomfortable, but it's meant to show you how irrational thoughts are causing your emotional problems. They'll constantly question your negative thinking patterns throughout sessions.
You'll also get homework assignments that push you to face these thoughts in real life. This behavioural element helps cement the changes you're making in therapy sessions.
Before REBT: A triggering event (failing your driving test) + irrational belief (I'm terrible and will never pass) = negative consequences (anxiety and depression). The goal is complete acceptance of new, rational ways of thinking.
💡 Key Point: REBT shows that it's not events themselves that upset us - it's how we interpret those events that matters.
The REBT Process in Action
The ABC model becomes ABCDE when you add the disputing and exchange stages. This extended process is where the real change happens.
Disputing involves three types of challenging: logical (does this make sense?), empirical (where's the evidence?), and pragmatic (how does this help me?). These questions help break down catastrophic thinking patterns.
Exchange means replacing old, destructive thoughts with balanced, rational ones. After REBT, that failed driving test becomes "it's okay, I'll pass next time" instead of "I'm hopeless."
This process helps you move from catastrophising every setback to developing a more realistic interpretation of events. The focus is always on challenging beliefs at point B, since Ellis believed our interpretations cause our emotional responses.
💡 Remember: You're learning to become your own therapist by mastering these disputing techniques.
Limitations of the Cognitive Approach
CBT ignores biological factors that might contribute to depression. The biological approach suggests depression links to low serotonin levels in the brain, which cognitive therapies don't address.
This creates a significant limitation - if someone's depression has biological causes, no amount of disputing irrational thoughts will completely solve the problem. The cognitive approach assumes all depression stems from faulty thinking patterns.
For some clients, this means CBT alone might not be sufficient treatment. Biological factors in mental disorders need consideration alongside cognitive approaches for comprehensive care.
This doesn't make CBT useless, but it highlights the importance of understanding different causes of depression and matching treatments accordingly.
💡 Think About It: The most effective approach might combine cognitive techniques with other treatments that address biological factors.
Evaluating CBT Effectiveness
Research strongly supports CBT for treating depression and other mental health issues. Engels et al's meta-analysis found CBT effective for depression and social phobias, making it useful for more people than many other treatments.
Unlike drug therapies, CBT has no harmful side effects and teaches transferable skills. You can apply the techniques learned in therapy to handle future problems independently.
However, CBT isn't suitable for everyone. Individual differences matter hugely - some people engage enthusiastically with homework tasks and actively apply principles, while others struggle or refuse to participate fully.
This limitation means therapists must carefully assess whether CBT suits each individual client before starting treatment.
💡 Important: CBT works best when you're willing to actively participate and practice the techniques outside of sessions.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Cognitive Treatments for Depression - AO1 Psychology AQA
Cognitive therapies like REBT offer a practical way to tackle depression by changing how we think about problems. Instead of just treating symptoms, these approaches help people identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel their depression.
Ellis' Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy
REBT is all about spotting irrational thoughts and swapping them for healthier ones. The therapy follows a clear four-step process that combines thinking and behaviour changes.
First, your therapist will directly challenge your beliefs - this might feel uncomfortable, but it's meant to show you how irrational thoughts are causing your emotional problems. They'll constantly question your negative thinking patterns throughout sessions.
You'll also get homework assignments that push you to face these thoughts in real life. This behavioural element helps cement the changes you're making in therapy sessions.
Before REBT: A triggering event (failing your driving test) + irrational belief (I'm terrible and will never pass) = negative consequences (anxiety and depression). The goal is complete acceptance of new, rational ways of thinking.
💡 Key Point: REBT shows that it's not events themselves that upset us - it's how we interpret those events that matters.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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The REBT Process in Action
The ABC model becomes ABCDE when you add the disputing and exchange stages. This extended process is where the real change happens.
Disputing involves three types of challenging: logical (does this make sense?), empirical (where's the evidence?), and pragmatic (how does this help me?). These questions help break down catastrophic thinking patterns.
Exchange means replacing old, destructive thoughts with balanced, rational ones. After REBT, that failed driving test becomes "it's okay, I'll pass next time" instead of "I'm hopeless."
This process helps you move from catastrophising every setback to developing a more realistic interpretation of events. The focus is always on challenging beliefs at point B, since Ellis believed our interpretations cause our emotional responses.
💡 Remember: You're learning to become your own therapist by mastering these disputing techniques.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Limitations of the Cognitive Approach
CBT ignores biological factors that might contribute to depression. The biological approach suggests depression links to low serotonin levels in the brain, which cognitive therapies don't address.
This creates a significant limitation - if someone's depression has biological causes, no amount of disputing irrational thoughts will completely solve the problem. The cognitive approach assumes all depression stems from faulty thinking patterns.
For some clients, this means CBT alone might not be sufficient treatment. Biological factors in mental disorders need consideration alongside cognitive approaches for comprehensive care.
This doesn't make CBT useless, but it highlights the importance of understanding different causes of depression and matching treatments accordingly.
💡 Think About It: The most effective approach might combine cognitive techniques with other treatments that address biological factors.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Evaluating CBT Effectiveness
Research strongly supports CBT for treating depression and other mental health issues. Engels et al's meta-analysis found CBT effective for depression and social phobias, making it useful for more people than many other treatments.
Unlike drug therapies, CBT has no harmful side effects and teaches transferable skills. You can apply the techniques learned in therapy to handle future problems independently.
However, CBT isn't suitable for everyone. Individual differences matter hugely - some people engage enthusiastically with homework tasks and actively apply principles, while others struggle or refuse to participate fully.
This limitation means therapists must carefully assess whether CBT suits each individual client before starting treatment.
💡 Important: CBT works best when you're willing to actively participate and practice the techniques outside of sessions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (cbt)
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user