Education as psychiatric intervention: the cognitive-behavioral context

1. The cognitive behavioral treatment context is essentially an educational function that focuses on eliciting changes in attitude and judgment, values, methods of cognitive processing, correction of distorted thinking, re-examination of internalized core assumptions, and subsequently, behavior. 2. The behavioral framework presumes that behavior is learned and can be unlearned or relearned, and that psychiatric disorders are severely complicated by maladaptive and dysfunctional attempts to compensate. 3. The cognitive models involve validation, remotivation, resocialization, reality testing through increasing coping and problem solving abilities, and increasing self esteem and a sense of personal control.