Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. It is a widely used evidence-based treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
CBT is based on the idea that a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing one can lead to improvements in the others. In CBT, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify negative thought patterns and develop strategies to challenge and change them. This can involve teaching the client new skills for coping with distressing thoughts and emotions, as well as helping them to develop new, more adaptive beliefs and behaviors.
The therapy typically involves regular sessions with a therapist, with homework assignments and exercises to practice outside of sessions. The duration of treatment can vary depending on the individual and their needs, but CBT is often a relatively short-term form of therapy, with many people seeing improvements within a few months.
One of the advantages of CBT is that it is a structured and goal-oriented form of therapy, with a focus on specific problems and symptoms. It also has a strong evidence base, with many studies demonstrating its effectiveness for a range of mental health conditions. As such, CBT is often recommended as a first-line treatment for many mental health problems.
CBT can be delivered in a variety of settings, including individual and group therapy, and is also used in online and self-help formats. It can be tailored to meet the needs of different individuals, and can be particularly useful for those who are motivated to change and willing to actively participate in the therapy process.