Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a method of psychotherapy that works with thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. It focuses on helping clients identify their negative thoughts and attitudes that may be affecting their emotions, and developing healthy ones. CBT also encourages clients to practice specific skills such as relaxation and relaxation exercises. CBT therapists usually help clients to understand how their thoughts and actions affect their emotions.
CBT is a type of treatment where therapists assist clients in changing behaviours and thoughts to reduce their symptoms. It differs from the psychoanalysis approach, which focuses on the unconscious meaning of behaviours and thoughts.
Rather, CBT is an “action-oriented” and “problem-focused” form of therapy that addresses specific problems related to a diagnosed mental disorder.
The focus is on changing maladaptive behaviour patterns and thought distortions. The goal of the therapist is to help the patient identify and learn to use effective coping strategies to deal with problems.
CBT is based on the belief that people develop and maintain mental disorders because of distorted beliefs and inappropriate behaviours. CBT helps the patient change his or her thoughts and behaviours so that the maladaptive patterns can be reduced.
Some studies find that CBT is as effective as medication for treating mild depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, tics, and eating disorders. Others suggest that CBT is the most effective first-line treatment for all psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Due to its strong evidence base compared to other forms of psychotherapy, CBT is also recommended as the first-line treatment for the majority of psychological disorders in adults.
