How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to treat psychological disorders?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment primarily designed to help individuals recognize and change maladaptive thought patterns, which significantly affect their behavior and emotional responses. The essence of CBT lies in the understanding that cognitive processes (thoughts) play a critical role in how we feel and behave.

In CBT, therapists assist clients in identifying negative thinking patterns and cognitive distortions—such as overgeneralization, catastrophizing, or all-or-nothing thinking. By challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more balanced or rational ones, individuals can experience changes in their feelings and behaviors. For instance, a person who constantly thinks they will fail may avoid challenges, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression. By altering those negative thoughts, they can develop a more positive approach, leading to healthier emotional responses and actions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of CBT. While enhancing social skills can be a component of therapy, it is not the primary mechanism through which CBT works. Focusing solely on past experiences relates more to therapeutic approaches like psychodynamic therapy, which is distinct from the present-focused methods of CBT. Lastly, while medication can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for psychological disorders, CBT itself does not use medication; rather, it