Secondly, it can help to desensitize the client, so s/he actually feels less fearful of the interview and the interviewer. They build-up confidence levels and deal with fears (often a fear of authority). First, each subsequent re-enactment pushes the client out of his/her comfort zone. I like to role play the scene several times, for 2 main purposes. The next step is to consider how to do it differently next time. By analyzing his/ her responses after enacting the mock-scene, the client can see what s/he tends to do. For example, with a client who is dreading an interview, the therapist takes on the role of the interviewer. Role play is one way in which to utilize this form of therapy to benefit a client.

By examining the rationale (or lack thereof) behind these thought patterns, the therapist and client can alter the thought process and thereby the outcome.Ĭognitive therapy can be useful for those suffering from fears or phobias, anxiety and mood disorders, insomnia, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social phobias – and even anger management. The theory behind the process is that “wrong” thinking triggers a self-defeating behaviour or inappropriate response to a situation. Psychiatrist Aaron Beck developed cognitive therapy in the 1960s. We try to change the thought process in order to bring about change. Simply put, cognitive therapy deals with those emotions, behaviours and beliefs which are not serving you.

Role play scripts for anger management