Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory involves challenging the negative and irrational thoughts that lead to dysfunctional behaviors and perpetuate distress. Therapists trained in CBT aim to help clients learn and practice ways of dealing with negative automatic thought patterns in more adaptive ways. CBT has been empirically studied for decades, and there is experimental evidence to support its use in the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and other conditions. A number of specialized forms of CBT target particular conditions (such as CBT-I, for insomnia).