What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The core principle of CBT is that our thoughts directly influence our feelings and actions. By identifying and changing negative thought patterns, individuals can alter their emotional responses and behaviors, leading to more positive outcomes.

CBT is evidence-based and structured, typically involving a collaborative approach where the therapist assists the client in recognizing distortions in their thinking, reframing unhelpful beliefs, and developing coping strategies. This practical, goal-oriented nature makes CBT particularly effective for a range of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD.

Other therapies, such as psychodynamic therapy, focus on exploring unconscious motivations and past experiences, while medications address symptoms but do not directly engage with thought processes. Additionally, group therapy primarily emphasizes interpersonal dynamics rather than the individual cognitive restructuring that CBT entails. Thus, the essence of CBT lies in its emphasis on modifying cognitive distortions to effect change in behavior and emotional state.