Modernized methods of CBT have utilized principles of change that focus on context and function of a psychological event (thoughts, feelings, overt action), as opposed to their content. An example of this change from the cognitive wing includes MBCT, in which there is little emphasis placed on changing the content of thoughts; instead the emphasis is placed on the changing awareness of and relationship to the thoughts. 

A focus on context and function

A core commitment of third wave CBT models was; to transform earlier phases into a broader, more interconnected form, encompassing everything useful in progressing the field further, giving rise to an evolutionary development process. CBT has taken into account well-tested methods, including exposure, skills training, self-monitoring and behavioral homework. 

The view that new models and methods should build on other strands of CBT

Third wave CBT methods are broadly focused, with a large scope application to their processes of change. The focus on syndromes have rapidly reduced as a result, with CBT developing more into a process-based model of evidence-based intervention, with an affinity for issues of positive growth, in addition to alleviation of psychological distress. 



A focus on broad and flexible repertoires vs. signs and symptoms

Third wave methods of CBT have taken into account intervention to the practitioner and not just the client. The priority of these methods are based more on the assumptions that the  psychological processes can occur in ways that produce psychological harm, and so rearranging such methods could led to promotion of greater human prosperity. 

Applying processes to the clinician, not just the client

Third wave CBT seeks to address a wide range of complex humane issues, involving humanistic, existential, analytic, or system-oriented approaches. CBT has a unique ability to relate to a wide scoop of issues, in part due to CBT simply utilizing a collection of borrowed methods, but also due to the “third-wave” approaches which facilitate exploration into issues that used to be ignored.



Expanding into more complex issues

-	A focus on context and function

-	The view that new models and methods should build on other strands of CBT

-	A focus on broad and flexible repertoires vs. signs and symptoms

-	Applying processes to the clinician, not just the client

-	Expanding into more complex issues



Syracuse University

Set of five key concepts underlining third wave cognitive behavioral therapy in recognition of the development occurring within all CBT domains, all changes have been assimilated into core CBT literature over the past 15 years. 

Third wave cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) processes of change

SG;, H. S. C. H. (n.d.). "third-wave" cognitive and behavioral therapies and the emergence of a process-based approach to intervention in psychiatry. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA). Retrieved November 17, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505370/?fc=None&amp;ff=20211014202414&amp;v=2.15.0. 

"Third-wave” cognitive and behavioral therapies and the emergence of a process-based approach to intervention in psychiatry

Cognitive behavioral processes of change: Five core principles

Psychological processes of change in CBT grants the ability to move beyond syndromal protocols into an idiographic form of process-based functional analysis. 

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