Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of counseling aimed at teaching the client how to become healthier and experience a more satisfying, fulfilling lifestyle by modifying certain thought and behavior patterns. It is based on the theory that thought and behavior can affect a person’s symptoms and be an obstacle to recovery. CBT can be helpful in treating a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, dealing with life event such as: death, divorce, disability, unemployment, issues with children and mounting stress.
In CBT, the therapist and client work together to identify and change negative thinking and behavior patterns that may contribute to emotional and/or physical illness. The focus in therapy is to alter and change these thoughts or self-talks which express one’s beliefs and perceptions. Cognitive approaches focus on replacing one thought, belief, or form of self-talk with another (e.g. My life is miserable to I have purpose in life). Therapy also focuses on teaching the client more positive ways of thinking about and coping with not only illness but also life events and relationships.