Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals hold conflicting beliefs or attitudes or their behaviour conflicts with their beliefs or attitudes. This discomfort can lead to various negative consequences, including anxiety, stress, and depression. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are two approaches to therapy that can be used to address cognitive dissonance. This essay will compare and contrast these two approaches in their application to cognitive dissonance.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a form of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motivations that influence behaviour. In this approach, the therapist helps the client to identify and analyse the underlying conflicts that may be contributing to cognitive dissonance. By examining unconscious beliefs and motivations, the client can gain insight into the underlying causes of their discomfort and develop strategies to resolve cognitive dissonance.

In contrast, CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours contributing to psychological distress. In CBT, the therapist helps the client to identify and challenge negative beliefs and attitudes that contribute to cognitive dissonance. By changing these negative thought patterns, the client can develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving, which can help to resolve cognitive dissonance.

One significant difference between psychoanalytic psychotherapy and CBT is their focus on different aspects of the individual. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy focuses on the unconscious parts of the individual, while CBT focuses on the conscious elements of the individual. In psychoanalytic psychotherapy, the therapist helps the client to explore their unconscious beliefs and motivations, which may be contributing to their cognitive dissonance. In CBT, the therapist helps the client to identify and challenge their conscious negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to cognitive dissonance.

Another significant difference between psychoanalytic psychotherapy and CBT is their approach to change. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy focuses on gaining insight into the underlying causes of cognitive dissonance, which can lead to gradual and long-term change. In contrast, CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours directly, which can lead to more immediate change. This difference in approach may make psychoanalytic psychotherapy more appropriate for individuals willing to engage in long-term therapy. At the same time, CBT may be more suitable for individuals seeking more immediate relief from cognitive dissonance.

Regarding their limitations, psychoanalytic psychotherapy may be less effective for individuals with difficulty exploring their unconscious thoughts and emotions. Additionally, psychoanalytic psychotherapy may take longer to produce results, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking more immediate relief from cognitive dissonance. CBT may be less effective for individuals who have difficulty identifying and changing their negative thought patterns and behaviours.

In conclusion, psychoanalytic psychotherapy and CBT are two approaches to therapy that can be used to address cognitive dissonance. While psychoanalytic psychotherapy focuses on exploring unconscious beliefs and motivations, CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours directly. Both approaches have their strengths and limitations, and the choice of method may depend on the individual’s preferences, needs, and goals. Ultimately, therapy aims to help individuals resolve cognitive dissonance and achieve greater psychological well-being.

By Ari Sotiriou M.A. psychodynamic psychotherapist co-founder Online Therapy Clinic