Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT)

Arch and Craske (2008) examine the similarities and differences between cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy for the anxiety disorders and suggest that the two treatment approaches have as many similarities as differences. We agree and believe that there is merit in this conclusion—it brings us together in common purpose and helps move us toward improved approaches to reducing client suffering.

Arch and Craske (2008) examine the similarities and differences between cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy for the anxiety disorders and suggest that the two treatment approaches have as many similarities as differences. We agree and believe that there is merit in this conclusion—it brings us together in common purpose and helps move us toward improved approaches to reducing client suffering.

The history and developmental program of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and relational frame theory (RFT) is described, and against that backdrop the target article is considered. In the authors’ comparison of ACT and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), traditional CBT does not refer to specific processes, principles, or theories but to a tribal tradition. Framed in that way, comparisons of ACT and CBT cannot succeed intellectually, because CBT cannot be pinned down.

The history and developmental program of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and relational frame theory (RFT) is described, and against that backdrop the target article is considered. In the authors’ comparison of ACT and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), traditional CBT does not refer to specific processes, principles, or theories but to a tribal tradition. Framed in that way, comparisons of ACT and CBT cannot succeed intellectually, because CBT cannot be pinned down.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) researchers and scholars carry assumptions about the characteristics of these therapies, and the extent to which they differ from one another. This article examines proposed differences between CBT and ACT for anxiety disorders, including aspects of treatment components, processes, and outcomes. The general conclusion is that the treatments are more similar than distinct.

This workshop illustrated how ACT and CBT can be integrated.

This workshop illustrated how ACT and CBT can be integrated.

The case presented by Wicksell and colleagues (2005) raises a number of intriguing issues, particularly about the utility and application of cognitive and behavioral approaches in pain management. Rather than focus on the specific application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, Strosahl, and Wilson, 1999) in this case, we have chosen to comment on how their work reminds us of the similarities across CBT approaches and to suggest some minor but important modifications.