Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talking therapy that concentrates on how a patient's thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are interconnected. In particular, CBT focuses on altering thoughts ('cognitions') and behaviors to impact emotions. Typically delivered as a short-term treatment (16-24 sessions), CBT has been applied to a number of different mental health problems including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and psychotic disorders. It has also been studied more recently for coping with and managing chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal pain conditions. In CBT, the patients have an active role in identifying the goals they want to achieve and working collaboratively with the therapist to achieve these goals.