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

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) primarily focuses on changing negative thought patterns. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying and challenging distorted or maladaptive thoughts, individuals can alter their emotional responses and behaviors.

For instance, someone experiencing anxiety may have thought patterns that exaggerate threats or catastrophize situations. Through CBT, they learn to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more realistic, balanced perspectives. This transformation in thought processes can lead to a significant reduction in distress and improvements in functioning.

While emotional processing, behavior modification, and building interpersonal skills are important aspects of therapy, they are not the central focus of CBT. Instead, they may be addressed in the context of how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, highlighting the importance of cognitive restructuring in the therapeutic process.