What is an essential characteristic of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is fundamentally centered on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. The essential characteristic of CBT is its focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. By challenging and reframing these negative thoughts, individuals can alter their feelings and behaviors, leading to improved mental health.

This approach is grounded in the belief that cognitive distortions—such as all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophizing—can be modified. Techniques may include cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and skills training, all aimed at empowering clients to develop healthier thinking habits and coping strategies. This practical, skill-based orientation distinguishes CBT from other therapeutic modalities that may place more emphasis on past experiences or use techniques like dream analysis, which are less central to the CBT framework.