Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment approach that aims to influence dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic process.

 

CBT has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for a variety of clinical and non-clinical problems including:

  • Anxiety and related conditions including OCD, phobias and PTSD,
  • Depression and mood related challenges,
  • Behavioral struggles in personal and professional lives,
  • Eating disorders, and
  • Substance abuse disorders.

In CBT, the first objective is to identify and monitor thoughts, assumptions, beliefs and behaviors that are related to negative emotions.  The second objective is to identify those which are dysfunctional, inaccurate, or simply unhelpful. This is done in an effort to replace them with more realistic and useful thoughts and actions through concrete strategies.