What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By changing thoughts, one can change how they feel, such as reducing depression, anxiety, and anger.

It is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more constructive ones, individuals can improve how they feel and respond to challenges. CBT is typically a short-term therapy, lasting anywhere from 6 to 20 sessions, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Extensive research shows that CBT is highly effective for many mental health issues. Its structured approach and focus on skill-building often lead to lasting improvements.

CBT is focused on the present and problem-solving-oriented. CBT will assist you in learning skills to identify distorted thinking/distressing thoughts, modify beliefs, relate to others in different ways, replace thoughts, and change behaviors. In addition, CBT will help you connect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, change your mood/feelings by thinking more realistically, and decrease negative behaviors.