The role of emotion in cognitive therapy, cognitive therapists, and supervision Original Research Article

It is a myth that cognitive therapy does not address emotions. In fact, emotion is a primary variable in the cognitive model. The cognitive therapist facilitates identification of troubling emotions, helps the patient explore the origins of the emotion (automatic thoughts), and collaboratively generates alternative perspectives. Cognitive therapy supervisors help trainees learn to identify their own automatic thoughts and emotions and teach them how to use this information productively in therapy. This manuscript addresses these issues and includes some supervisory strategies for addressing therapistsʹ emotions when these emotions interfere with the delivery of cognitive therapy.