Applying cognitive restructuring in therapy: The clinical reality in Spain.

ABSTRACT

Cognitive restructuring is one of the most widely used techniques among psychologists of different orientations. However, there is a lack of clarity in what concerns its precise definition, functioning, effectiveness, and components. OBJECTIVE: To obtain precise information on how psychotherapists use cognitive restructuring in their clinical practice in Spain. METHOD: A survey study was conducted following a descriptive quantitative methodology, with a cross-sectional design and a non-random sampling method. Three hundred and twenty psychotherapists responded to a questionnaire, created ad hoc, on cognitive restructuring. RESULTS: Cognitive restructuring is widely used by therapists with different levels of experience, training, and following different psychotherapeutic approaches. Furthermore, it is applied to address a wide variety of psychological problems. There exist relevant differences in the use of the technique depending on the therapists' level of experience. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown, for the first time, how cognitive restructuring is applied in daily clinical practice. The main implications of these results are discussed, and new lines of inquiry are proposed. Clinical or methodological significance of this article This study has contributed to bringing the clinical reality of cognitive restructuring closer to the scientific community, by identifying which of the elements and procedures that are taught or researched are actually applied in daily practice.