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

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) primarily focuses on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The approach is based on the premise that our thoughts influence how we feel and how we behave. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, individuals can modify their emotional responses and behaviors, leading to improved mental health outcomes.

In CBT, clients learn to recognize cognitive distortions—such as overgeneralization or catastrophizing—that contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression. By reframing these thoughts, individuals can change their emotional states and behavioral responses. This technique empowers clients to develop healthier thinking patterns, which can lead to more constructive behaviors and, ultimately, better emotional well-being.

The other options, while relevant to different therapeutic approaches, do not capture the core focus of CBT. For instance, medication is not a direct component of CBT, as it emphasizes psychological strategies rather than pharmacological interventions. Addressing physical symptoms can be part of a broader therapeutic approach, but it doesn't specifically underscore the cognitive restructuring central to CBT. Similarly, using art and movement pertains more to expressive therapies, which do not align with CBT’s emphasis on cognitive strategies. Thus, the correct answer illustrates the foundational aspect of CBT—altering negative thought patterns to effect change in