What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy (psychotherapy) based on the idea that our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes cause our feelings and behaviors. CBT focuses on specific problems identified by the client and employs a solution based and goal-oriented approach to reshape these thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes.
Readily applicable techniques and concepts are the foundation for the answer to, “what is cognitive behavioral therapy?” and are taught during each session. The therapist shows the client how to achieve results rather than telling him or her what to do. CBT focuses on targeted solutions and requires the client to actively participate in challenging his or her distorted cognitions. Clients are given homework assignments based on specific tasks to help them change their destructive behaviors through repetition and implementation of techniques in their daily life.
​
CBT’s popularity stems from its aim to produce clear, measurable change in thoughts and behaviors. CBT is a short term therapy, with a duration ranging from about 5 to 20 sessions, making it attractive to those who feel they don’t have the time or finances to invest in longer types of therapy. In addition, it is considered one of the most rapid types of therapies in terms of producing results.

Read More