Aaron Beck (1921 - )

The developer of cognitive therapy who, like Ellis, started from a psychoanalytic background and moved to emphasize the role of cognitive distortions in depression and anxiety. More recently he has extended his theoretical work to substance abuse, personality disorders, and the severe psychiatric disorders. His work is empathic and collaborative, helping clients recognize the role of their beliefs in their problematic behaviors through a process of socratic explorations. Here's a summary of here a lively comparison of Beck's views of psychotherapy to Albert Ellis'.

Look here for references to some of Beck's work.

This page was written to support my Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy class.

Page by jms
URL= http://psy1.clarion.edu/jms/beck.html

Last modified August 31, 2000.