A clinical psychologist is reviewing the case notes of two clients diagnosed with depression:

• Farah often expresses thoughts such as, 'I'm completely incompetent, everyone in my life finds me tedious, and I will never succeed at anything.'
• George became severely depressed after his contract was terminated. He explains, 'I must be exceptional at my job at all times, otherwise I am a total failure.'

Discuss the cognitive approach to explaining depression, with reference to Farah and George.