The Original Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

"I have known about the Abraham Low Self-Help Systems method since I was a psychiatric resident in 1971.  I was impressed with Dr. Low's method then and I am still impressed now.  This method, which I consider the first cognitive behavioral therapy, continues to be headed by the consumers that use it and it is a wonderful adjunct to the treatment we psychiatrists provide our patients. Do your patients a favor and refer them to this tried and true self-help technology." –

Carl C. Bell, MD, President/CEO - Community Mental Health Council, Inc. and Director - Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago

As stated by Dr. Bell, The Recovery International Method is believed by many to be the original cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), having been pioneered by Abraham Low, MD, in the 1930s. CBT is a system whereby people train themselves to identify and monitor negative or damaging thoughts and behaviors and to change the way they would typically respond to those occurrences. By changing negative thoughts and behaviors, people take control of these damaging impulses and can live happy, healthy lives.

This is the Recovery Method.

It is important to note the distinction between cognitive behavioral training and cognitive behavioral therapy. Because Recovery International is a peer-to-peer self-help program, it is not therapy, but rather a method of peer-based training and support on how to adapt the Recovery International tools to everyday life.