Final answer:
a) CBT is irrelevant to psychological phobia interventions. CBT is highly relevant for psychological phobia interventions, incorporating cognitive components to alter negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with phobias. It is effective and empirically supported for treating various psychological disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is irrelevant to psychological phobia interventions is incorrect. CBT is a well-established form of therapy that explicitly incorporates cognitive components as a core aspect when treating phobias and other psychological issues. In fact, cognitive processes are integral to the CBT approach, involving the identification and restructuring of negative thought patterns that contribute to the phobia. These negative thoughts are challenged and replaced with more realistic and positive thoughts, leading to changes in behavior and reduced phobic responses.
Additionally, empirical research and various meta-analyses, as noted in the works of Beck and others, validate the effectiveness of CBT in treating a range of psychological disorders, including phobias. Therefore, the statement that cognitive components are not part of psychological interventions is inaccurate. In conclusion, CBT, which includes addressing cognition, is a vital and effective part of psychological phobia interventions.