A Conversation with Aaron T. Beck

The Annual Review of Clinical Psychology presents Aaron T. Beck, President Emeritus of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and his daughter Judith S. Beck, President of the Beck Institute and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. In this interview, they talk about his life and career, and how he went from having no interest in psychiatry to creating Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This method, initially developed for patients with depression and anxiety, challenges the subject to question his own negative beliefs, which act as prisms and cause distortions in the way events are perceived. Later, research showed that Cognitive Behavior Therapy was also effective in the treatment of schizophrenia. In the future, Aaron T. Beck says, psychotherapy must be firmly rooted in scientific evidence. The interview was conducted December 7, 2011.
Read a transcript of this interview at Annual Reviews online: bit.ly/AaronTBeckTranscript
A related review by Dr. Beck and Dr. Dozois is available from the Annual Review of Medicine. Read "Cognitive Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions" online: www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/....

[@missladybug319]

The best therapist is the therapist who truly want to help!!

[@happygucci5094]

I love Dr Beck’s voice- it has put an involuntary smile on my face 😊 You can hear his heart- if that makes sense.

[@HariKrishnan-pf1ec]

Aaron Beck , Albert Ellis , David Burns ...... Greatest of all time .....

[@KNKLDK]

Thank you Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. You both were my rock support. ❤

[@jburckhardt]

He recalls every memory with such detail 😲

[@marylouhemann5906]

What a brain in every sense of the word…incredibly down to earth .. but remains totally cognitive in every way at his age.

[@786DaveD]

Amazing interview. Set in digital stone the legacy of the man who gave the world a different approach to solving some of the deepest and most troubling malaise of mind. Cheers from India. CBT saved my life like many others out there.

[@robertkelly9801]

This has man has done more good for mankind than anyone imaginable. I never thought I would be able to overcome my anxiety and depression. I tried everything from psychoanalysis to Zen. Thank you sir for your great work.

[@hol-upLIL-bit]

Him and other psychologists.

[@enlaotrapuntadelmund]

@@hol-upLIL-bit uhm, jealous? Man, of course he did, and many others, and many others singers, nurses, scientists, cookers... Etc.

[@LordJasonKing]

What book did you use?

[@reusablecatmilk.2325]

I am very happy for you. Great to read you overcame your anxiety and depression! :)

[@Dr_Lucozade]

How did you overcome it? :) How are you now?

[@theotherview1716]

Such a calming presence. Must be a terrific therapist.

[@ronaldowilliams7456]

Rest in peace this wonderful human being.

[@6S2mVaR]

This guy literally saved millions of lives with his therapy method What a legend...

[@firouzehbuller14]

Dr. Beck and his work is the reason I entered the field of psychotherapy. Many thanks for this video.

[@AnsaIthalSaysHi]

He looks an an adorable grandpa. I feel so much warmth emanating from him.

[@ToYobee]

Super. This man has changed millions of lives, truly helped mankind.

[@vanderkarl3927]

I have had severe depression, and was a hair's breadth away from suicide at several points. I never had any therapy, but I have generally gotten better over time since my lowest point. Listening to this interview makes me realize that a lot of the ways that I improved are seemingly fundamental to the cognitive approach to treating depression, and that if I had had therapy, I could have gotten to where I am now a LOT sooner. In other words, even without ever having personal experience with cognitive therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, I can attest that Aaron T. Beck is a life saver.

[@rootdeep]

class act. and full of life at 90. What a beautiful person

[@WeightLossPrimer]

This is a remarkable resource for anyone who wants to hear about CBT from its own founder.

[@mr.anindyabanerjee9905]

Very true.

[@vikramtalreja9]

Is CBT still relevant even after cognitive revolution?

[@sonygeorge8112]

‘’the consumers’’….???!! after all that talk,it sums pretty much the attitude ,regarding the patients …BRAVO!!! Such an Empathy

[@1960702]

what a wonderful interview daughter with father.... and she allows him to speak unfettered .. she doesn't interrupt him as he generously does that walk down memory lane as he so lovingly recalls it. VERY informative and enjoyable

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

Aaron Beck is a living legend, and considered one of the greatest psychologists in history. However, this video has less than 200,000 views. Meanwhile, other KZbin videos have billions of views.

[@peaceoutrawkon]

I wish we learned more about him than Freud.

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

@@peaceoutrawkon Sigmund Freud actually did some good things though. He helped soldiers with PTSD in World War I.

[@ksianti]

Happy Birthday Dr Beck. May you live another 100 years

[@mr.anindyabanerjee9905]

Immensely fulfilling therapeutic discussion. Remarkable therapeutic nuances traced throughout starting from inception till His present practice. Thanks Dr. Beck❤😊🙏

[@MsFrancoesmeralda]

Amazing to live until 100 years old and 100% lucid with an extraordinary memory. He coined the term “cognitive therapy“ being the pioneer of cognitive behaviour therapy.

[@randybailin4902]

The automatic, subterranean thoughts, which largely drive depressives, that Dr. Beck speaks of is one of the great insights in the history of psychology. Sheer brilliance.

[@terencebytheway2740]

Very interesting, it's the first time I stumbled upon this gentleman. Glad I did. Thanks for uploading.

[@pedrosansoldo431]

Having this account on how cognitive behavioral therapy was borne made me a lot more lucid on what it actually is. Thanks a lot for the video and to Mr. Beck for the amazing work. Could hear him for hours.

[@mick7698]

This man is a master!

[@psicologiajoseh]

Even with my humanistic bent and my appreciation of the criticism of the non-directive approach to directive approaches, I find his spirit charming and his theory evidently useful. There is an interest and passion when he talks about his theory that rejuvenates him when he begins to speak, and one can see his passion for helping people who are suffering. A gift to humanity, no doubt.

[@77goats]

I would think that irrational fear of women could be addressed in CBT with successes. This a gem of an interview.-- This mans analytical mind and his discoveries and rational's should be Nobel Prize Awarded.

[@drelectric9795]

So insightful, a talk by the master of CBT. Recounting research and past memories and knowledge with such profundity and detail.

[@Turissss]

I would love this to have english subtitles at least, for non-native speakers would be helpful. Thanks for the upload, this is gold.

[@77goats]

You captured this guy Judith, "Congratulations", magnificent work.

[@boogaloo2316]

It's worked for me, very well. I had 6 months of CBT at university for crippling anxiety that was ruining my life. It helped so much that now I am really calm and experience just an average amount of anxiety, maybe less! it's improved my wellbeing beyond belief. I also really enjoyed the process, i found it so valuable to have someone listen to me and want to help me get better.

[@Canyoudigityesyoucan]

Boogaloo that’s wonderful

[@wolfeyesnarina777]

Thank you as I am a BPD patient.☑️

[@youngmedlion8631]

He is such a legend! Truly inspiring!

[@ElishevaSchwartz]

Bow tie on point. [great interview!]

[@alex27sharp]

Thank you for the video. I think in the past I used to resist cognitive-behavioral approach because it seemed to me that people who used it tried very hard to change the behavior or reduce the symptom without propperly addressing the belief/cognition 1st. I think that cognitive therapy can achieve great results when beliefs addressed properly at the beginning. I think that's what emphasized by Aaron Beck in his interview and it makes sense to me

[@br7564]

Can you help me discuss this

[@danish20]

yes, this man has really very good to humankind. thank you for your great contribution

[@spiritualstars]

Amazing video, thank you for sharing a special interview between father and daughter. Your dinner conversations must have been awesome!! xx

[@polymathpark]

Aaron Beck's hairline is a clear exemplifier of the sage sanity he's sustained through his work.

[@martinmullan3661]

I love Tim Beck.You have given us so much!

[@MJ-nr4is]

So excited to be going to the Beck Institute for cognitive youth training this month. Going to be amazing to meet and learn from the GREAT Dr. Aaron Beck! Love CBT.

[@adwaitapandey9042]

This video is a gem.. Thank you so Much for uploading this.

[@masoudkhademifard5600]

Rest in peace great man♥️

[@ToYobee]

Once inventing zero was a big deal no matter how small and obvious it appears to you and me now. This man proved that what makes people unhappy, depressed, or miserable is mostly what he/she thinks at present not how his/her past was. I think you misunderstand him, he does not ask you to act like anyone. CBT asks you to observe your own thoughts and judgement, be aware of it and then (you) decide if it is rational or not. You change life by changing how/what you think. Thanks.

[@TheAlexanderfamily5]

what a valuable and interesting interview. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us.

[@kyungheebeatton]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. what a valuable and interesting interview for any mental health professionals. Wonderful to see father and daughter working together enhancing lives of the people. xxx

[@lesibatloubatla9176]

This is profound and transcendental

[@deepanidias4060]

Thank you very much ..

[@rod4530]

Great film - such a good man. Thanks for posting.

[@venkat19811]

Best Hour spent !!! You are an asset to Human kind.

[@Aussie1276]

My hero. An amazing man

[@drjosephmetoyer8404]

Very helpful in teaching and gives insight into the mind of the Father of Cognitive Therapy.

[@12tragicshots]

Rest In Peace sir..

[@suuummmsuuummmliu394]

Really great interview of a great personality! I think his basic motivation of altruism he has been bearing in his heart formulated his career and research path. And he has a thinking and talking style of a 40year old person.

[@MichelePearl]

He was so ahead of his time.

[@2245JC]

Very academic and a legend in Cognitive Behaviour research investor.

[@SKTWeAre]

It's a given that great theories develop from other historical or concurrent ideas but the champion can be the genius. Thank you for posting this great video.

[@JanStue]

Thank you for the interview!

[@Sk1lloz4vr]

rest in peace, great man

[@TheJakobandersen123]

Thank you sir!

[@antoniocalhau4711]

Annual Reviews, Thanks a lot for this absolutely excellent talk, and the must see links, they are absolute keepers!... I am also fascinated by the other talks, it was in fact my interest Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza that took me here, all because of Spencer Wells, and the "Journey of Man". Thanks a lot!

[@leanncclick7216]

I learned from this video the relationship between clinician and patient re a major factor in the recovery process of the addicted individual. My understanding of the use of CBT is not just beneficial for the patient but for the professional as well. thank you.

[@deadlypalms]

Great stuff! Fantastic in providing a real cultural & human context to the development of such widely used set of techniques today. Fascinating bit right at the end on dependent/autonomous client types in relation to the therapeutic alliance.

[@lyndadoerner5341]

Wow. Very nice work, thank you!

[@venrakkhita]

with all due respect, the Transcript misses the key word 'Id' out... in the sentence ; The transcript reads: ''That’s why psychiatry is so aversive to you, because it is bubbling all over and you get into all your defenses and the defenses prevent you from really understanding what’s going on.” Should read ''That’s why psychiatry is so aversive to you, because your Id is bubbling all over ....' @4:16 . I am benefiting and enjoying this interview immensely, my humble gratitude.

[@jerrybear6440]

Thank you. Great job....

[@boogaloo2316]

Absolutely!

[@pablovalenzuela9089]

incredible human!

[@michaelpound9608]

great interview ...the last bits about the therapeutic relationship I found most interesting. Michael Yapko favours the earliest therapeutic intervention to provide immediate relief and so a stronger alliance where other CBT sources will suggest many sessions of assessment before any therapy at all It is an interesting debate in which I favour the Yapko argument and see that Aaron T beck explains why this could work

[@charles360]

I was exposed to CBT via the Strength at Home VA program for veterans with PTSD. My only question is WHY is this not TAUGHT IN SCOOLS, CHURCHES, PRISONS and CONGRESS ?

[@mooneycfx1]

Excellent interview with Dr. Beck. I have one question, is CBT of any assistance with the treatment of Bipolar disorder, specifically Bipolar type 2. C. Mooney.

[@annualreviewsscience]

Hello, Emerson, we've added a link to the transcript in PDF form in the description above. Click on it to expand and you'll find it lower down. Hope this helps!

[@Daniela-vw4lj]

Thank you very much!! I don't know English and finding the written interview allows me to translate it.

[@claudrebille178]

Lo puedo traduir en frances , si quires En francais , si tu veux

[@smackdoogles1]

Awesome.

[@omarthearab81]

What a genius like Ellis was to look at the dreams of patients of depressed and non-depressed and develop CBT

[@mamborickyclassicalmusicac4733]

Wonderful

[@strife10301]

Genius/ inspirational

[@RLifestyle453]

1.30 - research - THANK YOU

[@intrusive-th0t]

I did a lot of CBT with lots of medication and it never helped me. It’s hard to convince yourself that your negative thoughts are just cognitive distortions when your living situation is objectively negative and the “negative self-talk” is coming more from outside than inside. I think depression is not always motivated by poor self-image. Sometimes it’s about having a negative view of the world and very often that view is quite justified.

[@Carlos-qs8xf]

Agree

[@outpizzathehut6056]

He knows what's up

[@marilucearaujo-cox5438]

Beautiful

[@emersonlysianthus]

Was it here before and I hadn't seen it? Sorry. It will surely help a lot!

[@bitterfuck12]

A legend

[@AlphaNumeric123]

This is redolent of the article "The Doctor is IN" by Daniel B. Smith, is there any relation? When was this interview recorded?

[@emersonlysianthus]

Could anyone "kindly" provide me with the transcript of the interview? I'm interested in translating it, but once English is not my first language I could miss something in trying to do so. Thank you all. Emerson - Brazil

[@solarhydrowind]

The "annualreviewsscience" about 4 comments down from your comment says: "Hello, Emerson, We've added a link to the transcript in PDF form in the description above. Click on it to expand and you'll find it lower down. Hope this helps!

[@sharonbolton5482]

Recently my therapist recommended reading Albert Ellis. I was doing that and found that while I saw value in his therapy, I just couldn't stand the man and his "philosophy", which I put in quotes because he is a terrible philosopher. I understand his value to the theraputic world. Just too authoritarian and dogmatic for me. In my research on Ellis I kept coming across the name Aaron Beck. This interview is educational even on a level for a reasonably educated layperson. I am impressed and will tell my therapist that we will be doing CBT rather than REBT! Now on to reading Beck instead of Ellis.

[@DrMic2112]

So weird he carries the same name as those popular tests; the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, etc. Strange coincidence!

[@nkrokha]

Спасибо за это видео! Кто из русскоговорящих ещё смотрит ?)

[@nikitakulikov1099]

Я

[@amranebelkessa5439]

One of the kings of psychology

[@br7564]

هل تستطيع مساعدتي في ترجمة

[@user-xn7lf7qv6p]

I wouldl be grateful if someone write me a sum up or titles of the video I'm not native english speaker and I can't identify all the words i can't heard them well I mean..

[@rahelmehari1]

His left middle finger and right index finger probably come with an interesting story.

[@Canyoudigityesyoucan]

zeudi_zora that is arthritis. The tendons become swollen and push against the bone, forcing it to become deformed. I have a small red bump on my index finger and it is this...

[@marygpsy]

Какой же лапочка!

[@JudoMateo]

He basically describes reverse engineering Stoic rational dialectic in a scientific clinical setting!!! These techniques DO work, and have for millennia!

[@An_Abandoned_Forest]

2023 Here and alone

[@ducanhvu9658]

i drop at 51 min, will watch later

[@NilmoArquen]

Rest and peace

[@frankkrischick3906]

i need help i'm trapped in self crittisism i have anger but want to supress them But i want to roar loud against people for no reason I want help

[@victoriaporsiempre]

I hope you find the right help! start working on your self esteem and self compassion, that is where all begins...if we don’t love ourselves, we can’t love people

[@johnhunter8896]

Taking into account Aaron Beck's cognitive model, dealing with perceptions of negative schemas (or schemata), along with other models Albert Ellis, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and (ABC) Activating event, Beliefs that are irrational, and the Consequences that come from the belief. All contributed to influencing approaches to therapy and therapists who use this approach state that some of their patients report they have wonderful experiences and their CBT was very effective for treating their particular disorder. As with any type of treatment, everyone will have a unique response. However, it is not a cure all In some cases cognitive behavior therapy stresses the therapy technique over the relationship between therapist and patient. In other cases combined behavioral and pharmacological interventions are considered best practices. However, systemic review and meta-analysis found that CBT did not perform better than another evidence-based modality in this context or as an add-on to combined usual care and pharmacotherapy. One cannot always "think" oneself better. The assumption that changing one's thinking patterns can improve one's mood or decrease the symptoms of a mental disorder. Unfortunately, this is not valid in all cases. Assuming thoughts precede emotions, isn't always true Also labeling all "negative" thoughts as pathological or dysfunctional isn't always true. In a landmark 2009 review published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the study authors concluded that CBT is of no value in treating schizophrenia and has limited effect on depression. The authors also concluded that CBT is ineffective in preventing relapses in bipolar disorder. In a 2009 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry researchers compared depression treatment in adolescents over a period of 28 weeks. The study authors compared treatment with SSRI antidepressants versus the use of a combination of SSRIs and CBT. At the end of the 28 weeks both groups showed improvement but there were no significant differences between them. It was found that CBT did not add any benefit to the antidepressant treatment. The experts on PsychCentral agree that CBT has limited potential for helping those with Histrionic Personality Disorder. The authors state that: "Cognitive-oriented approaches are generally largely ineffective in treatment of this disorder and should be avoided." The reason, they share, is that people with this disorder are often incapable of examining their thoughts and motivations. I personally found that Beck's student David D. Burns in his book Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, popularising a list of Cognitive distortions often thought provoking and interesting but a book Straight and Crooked Thinking, first published in 1930 and revised in 1953, a book by Robert H. Thouless that I read before Burn's book was published already made me aware of a list of fallacies and a list of List of cognitive biases that was well know before then.

[@br7564]

من فضلكم هل من ترجمة

[@djhandlez]

It's more than just replacing irrational thoughts. That is only the first step. Next is changing behavior, as in having the 42 year old virgin actually stop playing video games in the basement and going out to meet these women. Replacement of cognition is just the first step.

[@alandynin1087]

Absolutely - That's the "behavioral" part of Cognitive Behavioral .

[@firuzea5871]

Türkçe altyazısı olsaydı keşke

[@alexdios3490]

А есть перевод на русском?