Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which of the following is NOT a technique used in cognitive behavioral group counseling?

1. Systematic desensitization

2. Group role plays

3. Journaling

4. Assertiveness training

The correct answer is: Journaling

Cognitive behavioral group counseling focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It's a structured, goal-oriented approach that utilizes various techniques to facilitate cognitive restructuring and behavioral change among group members. Systematic desensitization is often employed to help clients gradually reduce their anxiety through exposure to feared stimuli while practicing relaxation techniques. This method fits within the cognitive-behavioral framework as it helps individuals confront and alter their responses to anxiety-inducing situations. Group role plays are also commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy. They allow group members to practice new skills and strategies in a safe environment, fostering both feedback and support from peers. This interactive method can enhance learning and change in thinking and behavior. Assertiveness training is another key technique within this approach. It emphasizes developing communication skills that help individuals express their needs and rights while respecting others, supporting cognitive reframing of social interactions and reducing anxiety related to assertiveness. Journaling, while a valuable tool for self-reflection and insight, is less often a formal technique specifically used in cognitive behavioral group settings. It is more commonly associated with expressive therapies or personal reflection rather than direct cognitive-behavioral interventions aimed at altering thought patterns and behaviors in a group context. Thus, it stands out as not being