What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn
how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence
on behavior and emotions.1
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can
contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These spontaneous
negative thoughts have a detrimental influence on mood.
Through CBT, these thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more objective, realistic
thoughts.
What CBT Can Help With
Cognitive behaviour therapy can be used as a short-term treatment to help individuals learn to focus
on present thoughts and beliefs.
CBT is used to treat a wide range of conditions including:
* Addiction
* Anger issues
* Anxiety4
* Bipolar disorder
* Depression
* Eating disorders
* Panic attacks
* Personality disorders
* Phobias
In addition to mental health conditions, CBT has been found to help people cope with the
following:
* Chronic pain or serious illnesses
* Divorce or break-ups
* Grief or loss
* Insomnia9
* Low self-esteem
* Relationship problems
* Stress management
