Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.
CBT is based on several core principles:
1. Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
2. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
3. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns, including learning to recognize distortions in thinking, gaining better understanding of others' behavior and motivation, using problem-solving skills, and developing greater confidence in one's abilities.
CBT also involves efforts to change behavioral patterns, such as facing fears instead of avoiding them, using role playing to prepare for interactions, and learning to calm the mind and relax the body.
CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists through exercises and "homework" to develop coping skills and change thinking, emotions, and behavior.