A Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective on Robert Cohen's Case of "Daniel"

Abstract

Robert Cohen’s case study of Daniel gives an excellent example of the potential for integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques within a psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy.  Dr. Cohen introduces exercises from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into his work with a patient who has become stuck after a long period of good progress in therapy.  The use of active techniques from ACT appears to have allowed the patient to make further progress.  However, integrating a full range of interventions from first-, second-, and third-wave cognitive-behavioral treatments might have offered additional benefits to the patient as well as providing for a more complete theoretical integration between cognitive-behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches.