What type of therapy is designed to change thought patterns as a way to influence behavior?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that focuses on the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The central premise of CBT is that negative thought patterns can lead to negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors, so by identifying and changing these faulty beliefs, individuals can experience improvements in their emotional state and behavioral responses.

CBT employs a variety of techniques aimed at helping individuals recognize their distortions in thinking, such as catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking, and encourages them to challenge these thoughts with evidence and alternative viewpoints. This therapeutic approach has been found effective for various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders, as it empowers individuals to take active roles in their treatment and health.

In contrast, other therapies focus on different aspects of mental health. Interpersonal therapy emphasizes improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious processes and early experiences, and humanistic therapy prioritizes personal growth and self-actualization. Each of these approaches has its unique focus and methodology, distinguishing them from the specific goal of CBT, which is to directly modify thought patterns to bring about behavioral change.