Using values in cognitive and behavioral therapy: A bridge back to philosophy.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Philosophy of Mind
• Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices

Background:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) development is historically linked to ancient therapeutic practices.
• Philosophical concepts like Socratic questioning and Stoicism's emphasis on emotional distance have informed CBT.
• Modern CBT integrates cognitive and emotional processing, utilizing techniques like mental imaging and acceptance strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role and conceptualization of values across CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT).
• To clarify how values function as life-orienting principles within these therapeutic frameworks.
• To examine the renewed integration of philosophical skills and considerations within psychiatric treatment.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of the application of values in CBT, ACT, and RO DBT.
• Conceptual analysis of values as life-orienting principles.
• Review of the historical and contemporary relationship between psychotherapy and philosophical practices.

Main Results:

• Values are conceptualized as life-orienting principles and are integral to CBT, ACT, and RO DBT.
• CBT's evolution shows a resurgence of philosophical engagement, including dialectics and Socratic self-questioning.
• There is a growing consideration of philosophical health alongside psychological health, questioning their separation.

Conclusions:

• The integration of philosophical skills and values enriches modern psychotherapeutic practices.
• The study highlights the importance of philosophical underpinnings in evidence-based mental health treatments.
• There is a need to consider the implementation of philosophical skills within psychiatric treatment for broader populations.