Analysis:

CBT can be effectively used in a variety of stressful or tense situations. Depending on the nature of the issue, focusing on changing behaviors often aids the individual in reducing an addiction, changing their approach to a situation, or focusing on interaction and dialog issues. CBT may be used, for example, with:

Severe anxiety from a recent sexual assault -- CBT may be used to unearth the issues surround the assault and resulting anxiety by helping the client focus on adaptation. The therapist should help the client understand that they were a victim, did not choose the issue, and the fault of the issue is with the perpetrator. Anxious feelings are a rational response to trauma, but by practicing assertion training, the client can take charge of their own emotions and begin to heal (SOURCE, p. 23).

A Gay/Bisexual person struggling to come out to friends and family -- CBT will help the client understand communication patterns, self-sabotage patterns, and again assertiveness to help family and friends understand that being Gay or Bisexual is not a choice, but just as much a part of the client as their hair color, body shape, and/or personality. Cognitive restricting can help the client evaluate and change any shame...

23).
Addiction to pornography -- We are assuming that this client's addiction is having negative effects in their lives. Addiction to pornography is a non-paraphilic behavior, which likely results in excessive masturbation. However, we do not know if the client substitutes pornography for intimacy with other humans, or if it is something that is simply habitual. CBT in this case is used much as it would be with any substance addiction; focusing on the triggers to identify the need for pornography and then reshaping these cognitive behaviors through desensitization or cognitive restructuring of the need for pornography (SOURCE, p. 23; Fong).

REFERENCES

Follette, V. And J. Ruzek, eds. (2007). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Trauma, 2nd ed. New York: Guilford Press.

Fong, T. (2006). Understanding and Managing Compulsive Sexual Behaviors. Psychiatry. 3 (11): 51-58. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945841/

Wright, J. (2004). Cognitive Behavior Therapy. In J. Wright (Ed.), Review of Psychiatry (Vol. 23). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.