CBT Orientation — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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EasyPsychotherapyCBT OrientationMRCPsych Paper B

Which psychotherapy is structured and present-focused, using a collaborative formulation linking thoughts, emotions and actions, together with techniques such as thought records and behavioural experiments?

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Correct answer: A — Cognitive behavioural therapy

A. Cognitive behavioural therapy is correct. CBT is a structured, collaborative and predominantly present-focused therapy based on the reciprocal relationships among cognitions, emotions and behaviour. Typical interventions include identifying and evaluating unhelpful thoughts, using thought records, changing maintaining behaviours and testing predictions through behavioural experiments. Psychodynamic psychotherapy primarily explores unconscious processes, past relationships and transference. DBT combines behavioural change with validation, dialectics and skills training, particularly for severe emotion dysregulation. Mentalisation-based treatment aims to improve understanding of one’s own and others’ mental states. Schema therapy focuses more broadly on enduring early maladaptive schemas and schema modes, using cognitive, behavioural, experiential and relational techniques.

Reference: NHS. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), section 'What CBT sessions involve'. Last reviewed 28 March 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/