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

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) centers on the understanding that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and thus, by addressing maladaptive thoughts and beliefs, individuals can alter their emotional responses and behaviors. This approach is rooted in the idea that cognitive distortions—incorrect or biased ways of thinking—can lead to negative feelings and behaviors, contributing to various psychological issues.

By focusing on identifying and restructuring these cognitive distortions, CBT empowers individuals to challenge and change their negative thinking patterns, which in turn can lead to healthier behaviors and improved emotional states. This therapeutic method emphasizes practical skills such as cognitive restructuring, problem-solving, and behavioral experiments, making it an effective approach for a wide range of mental health conditions.

In comparison, other options focus on more narrow or different aspects of therapy. For instance, while changing behaviors is an essential component of CBT, it is not the sole focus. Similarly, uncovering repressed memories is more characteristic of psychodynamic therapies, and building social skills through observation aligns more closely with behaviorist approaches. Therefore, the comprehensive nature of addressing thoughts and beliefs—integral to CBT—is what makes it the correct focus in this context.