What is a primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is fundamentally centered on the idea that our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors. The primary focus of CBT is to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors. By helping clients recognize distorted thinking, CBT enables them to challenge and reframe those thoughts, leading to healthier emotional outcomes and more adaptive behaviors.

This therapeutic approach is structured and goal-oriented, providing clients with the tools to improve their cognitive processes. It emphasizes the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions, and aims to cultivate a more balanced and realistic way of interpreting experiences. In this way, CBT fosters resilience and empowers individuals to manage their mental health proactively.

While emotional expression, strategies for self-advocacy, and childhood experiences are important in various therapeutic modalities, they are not the primary focus of CBT, which distinctly prioritizes cognitive restructuring.