COGNITIVE MODEL 

Cognitive therapy is based on the cognitive model, which formulates the hypothesis that the emotions and the behavior of the people are influenced by their perception of the facts. It is not the actual situation in which the people are, which by herself defines what people feel, but rather the way they interpret a situation or refer meaning to this situation (Beck 1964- Ellis 1962). Imagine, for example, a situation in which many people read a book. These people may have completely different emotional reactions to the same situation which depends on what goes through their mind as they read.

• The first is thinking: “Oh, this really makes sense. At last a book that I really like”. The reader A is mildly excited.
• The second, on the other hand, thinks: “This book is too simple. It will never work”, and feels disappointed.
• The reading C is making the following thoughts: “This book is not what I expected. What a waste of money!”. The reader C is disappointed.
• The reader D thinks: “I really need to know all this things.What happens if I don’t understand them? What happens if I don’t ever do well in it?”, and feels stressed.
• E reader has different thoughts: “It is literally so difficult. I am so stupid. I won’t ever learn. I will never succeed as a therapist”. Reader E feels sad.

So, the way the people feel is connected with the way they interpret and think about a situation. The situation alone does not directly determine how they feel. Their emotional answer depends on their perception of the situation. The cognitive therapist is particularly interested in the level of thinking that works simultaneously with the most obvious, superficial level of thinking.

For example, while you are reading this text, you may notice a number of levels in your thinking. A part of your mind is focused on the information which the text provides. Namely you are trying to understand and incorporate some objective information. However, on another level, you may have some quick evaluation thoughts. These thoughts are called automatic thoughts and they are not a result of an intentional effort or deductive reasoning. These thoughts seem to stem rather automatically and are often rapid and brief. You can be barely aware of them and it is more likely to be aware of the feeling that comes afterwards.

So, as a result, it is more likely for you to accept without criticism your automatic thoughts as true. However, you can learn to recognize your automatic thoughts observing the transition of your feelings. When you notice that you feel and unpleasant emotion, ask yourself: What went through my mind just now?