Recognizing a Century of Life & Groundbreaking Contributions to the Field of Psychiatry
On November 1, 2021, the scientific, medical, and mental health communities around the world mourned the passing of Aaron T. Beck, M.D., the globally recognized father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Dr. Beck is credited with developing the revolutionary therapy at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s, an effective treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders, psychological problems, and medical conditions with psychological components, as demonstrated in over 2,000 clinical studies. In recognition of his work, the American Psychologist has called Dr. Beck “one of the five most influential psychotherapists of all time.”
A Revolutionary Treatment for Depression
His pioneering work on depression profoundly altered the way this disorder is understood and treated. Dr. Beck and his colleagues systematically extended the initial work on depression to conditions as diverse as anxiety and phobias, personality disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, marital discord, and schizophrenia. Extensive research demonstrates that CBT provides an effective treatment for a variety of conditions that had largely been treated with medication.
Widely Read and Written
A prolific and productive researcher with a career that spanned more than 70 years, Dr. Beck had published over 600 articles and authored or co-authored 25 books. He was also the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2006 Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research and the Gustave O. Lienhard Award from the Institute of Medicine for “outstanding national achievement in improving personal health care services in the United States.” Just last year he published an influential treatment manual that extends the principles of CBT to an intervention that assists individuals who experience significant mental health challenges in living fulfilling and rewarding lives.
Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy
Dr. Beck’s recent work on the development of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) is a revolutionary new practice that may change the future of psychotherapy. Originally developed to empower individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, CT-R extends the principles of traditional CBT to help individuals suffering from extensive behavioral, social, and physical health challenges. Practitioners and researchers are now applying the underlying principles of CT-R to the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance use, self-injury, aggression, and more.
The Aaron T. Beck Institute at Assumption University
Dr. Beck offered his name and support to the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies at Assumption University. The institute offers clinical workshops on the development and implementation of CBT (and related evidence-based psychosocial interventions) to mental and behavioral health professionals and graduate students to support ongoing professional development. Founded in 1996, the institute attracts CBT practitioners from around the globe who present and attend workshops and lectures at the University.
Dr. Beck’s Exemplary Academic Credentials
Dr. Beck graduated magna cum laude from Brown University in 1942. He was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his MD at Yale University in 1946. After completing medical residencies and internships, as well as service in the United States Military at an army hospital, Dr. Beck joined the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. He retired from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992 as University Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry. In 1995, Assumption awarded Dr. Beck a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree for his contributions to the development of CBT.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy & The Institute
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Because it is a flexible and practical approach to helping people change their maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and actions, Cognitive Therapy is used by Mental Health Professionals for a diverse range of psychological conditions. Cognitive Therapy was initially developed as a treatment for depression and over the past 20 years it has been extended and adapted for an extensive array of problems that include anxiety and phobias, personality disorders, marital discord, bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, and even schizophrenia. Cognitive therapists work with individuals, couples, families, or groups of people who have psychological problems. Cognitive Therapy is performed in a variety of settings that include outpatient clinics, schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. Sometimes, people have more than one problem and in these circumstances cognitive therapists often work closely with other professionals, including teachers, physicians, probation officers, and nurses. When treatment involves the combination of Cognitive Therapy and medication, cognitive therapists usually work closely with a psychiatrist or other physician (for example, a pediatrician or primary care physician).
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Cognitive therapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) helps people examine their self-defeating thoughts and to solve problems in their daily life. It does this by helping them analyze and change thinking that is negative or distorted, which can lead to problems like depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, or stress. Cognitive therapy does not focus only on negative thinking, but instead helps people gain a better understanding of the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. As a result, cognitive therapists focus on helping people change destructive and unhealthy behaviors to more positive and adaptive ones.
Cognitive therapy is a problem-focused therapy that helps people change their thoughts, feelings, and actions by using proven treatments that are firmly based on scientific research. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide variety of psychological and interpersonal problems and for some problems (e.g., anxiety), it is the treatment of choice. Cognitive therapy usually focuses on current situations and problems and it is often effective in a brief period of time.
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Leonard Doerfler, PH.D.
Cognitive Behavioral Case Formulation and Treatment Planning for Substance Use Disorders
Michelle Bovin, PH.D
PTSD Assessment and Its Relevance to Treatment
Donna M. Sudak, M.D.
Making Supervision More Effective
Donna Pincus, PH.D.
Helping Children to Grow Up Brave: Evidence- Based Strategies for Helping Youth Overcome Fear, Stress and Anxiety
Peter W. Moran, PH.D., M.S.
Insomnia: A Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Approach
Ashley Hart, PH.D
Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Jeffrey S. Danforth, PH.D.
Parent training for families of children with ADHD and co-occurring conduct problems
Peter W. Moran PH.D., M.S
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Adults: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach
Raymond Chip Tafrate, PH.D.
Critical Issues in the Conceptualization and Treatment of Anger
Leonard A. Doerfler, PH.D.
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy For Substance Use Disorders
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SOCIAL WORKERS:
Application has been made to the MA Chapter
of the NASW for Continuing Education Units.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS:
The Clinical Counseling Psychology Program at
Assumption University has been approved by NBCC
as an Approved Continuing Education Provider,
ACEP No. 4009. The Clinical
Counseling Psychology Program
at Assumption University is solely
responsible for all aspects
of the programs.
Because it is a flexible and practical approach to helping people change their maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and actions, Cognitive Therapy is used by Mental Health Professionals for a diverse range of psychological conditions. Cognitive Therapy was initially developed as a treatment for depression and over the past 20 years it has been extended and adapted for an extensive array of problems that include anxiety and phobias, personality disorders, marital discord, bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, and even schizophrenia. Cognitive therapists work with individuals, couples, families, or groups of people who have psychological problems. Cognitive Therapy is performed in a variety of settings that include outpatient clinics, schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. Sometimes, people have more than one problem and in these circumstances cognitive therapists often work closely with other professionals, including teachers, physicians, probation officers, and nurses. When treatment involves the combination of Cognitive Therapy and medication, cognitive therapists usually work closely with a psychiatrist or other physician (for example, a pediatrician or primary care physician).
Cognitive therapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) helps people examine their self-defeating thoughts and to solve problems in their daily life. It does this by helping them analyze and change thinking that is negative or distorted, which can lead to problems like depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, or stress. Cognitive therapy does not focus only on negative thinking, but instead helps people gain a better understanding of the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. As a result, cognitive therapists focus on helping people change destructive and unhealthy behaviors to more positive and adaptive ones.
Cognitive therapy is a problem-focused therapy that helps people change their thoughts, feelings, and actions by using proven treatments that are firmly based on scientific research. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide variety of psychological and interpersonal problems and for some problems (e.g., anxiety), it is the treatment of choice. Cognitive therapy usually focuses on current situations and problems and it is often effective in a brief period of time.
Leonard Doerfler, PH.D.
Cognitive Behavioral Case Formulation and Treatment Planning for Substance Use Disorders
Michelle Bovin, PH.D
PTSD Assessment and Its Relevance to Treatment
Donna M. Sudak, M.D.
Making Supervision More Effective
Donna Pincus, PH.D.
Helping Children to Grow Up Brave: Evidence- Based Strategies for Helping Youth Overcome Fear, Stress and Anxiety
Peter W. Moran, PH.D., M.S.
Insomnia: A Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Approach
Ashley Hart, PH.D
Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Jeffrey S. Danforth, PH.D.
Parent training for families of children with ADHD and co-occurring conduct problems
Peter W. Moran PH.D., M.S
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Adults: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach
Raymond Chip Tafrate, PH.D.
Critical Issues in the Conceptualization and Treatment of Anger
Leonard A. Doerfler, PH.D.
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy For Substance Use Disorders
SOCIAL WORKERS:
Application has been made to the MA Chapter
of the NASW for Continuing Education Units.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS:
The Clinical Counseling Psychology Program at
Assumption University has been approved by NBCC
as an Approved Continuing Education Provider,
ACEP No. 4009. The Clinical
Counseling Psychology Program
at Assumption University is solely
responsible for all aspects
of the programs.