What is the main goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

The primary aim of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is to change negative thought patterns. CBT is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interlinked and that by identifying and altering dysfunctional thoughts, individuals can improve their emotional well-being and behavioral responses. This therapeutic approach equips individuals with tools to recognize distorted thinking and replace it with more realistic, helpful thoughts, thereby improving their mood and overall mental health.

While enhancing memory retention, improving interpersonal relationships, and fostering group cohesion are important aspects of psychological well-being, they are not the central focus of CBT. Instead, CBT specifically targets the cognitive distortions that can lead to emotional distress or problematic behaviors, making it a highly effective treatment for various conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. The technique emphasizes the role of cognition in mental health and highlights the importance of addressing these thought patterns to facilitate better emotional and behavioral outcomes.