What is Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a very goal oriented, symptom focused approach to conducting therapy. CBT aids people in understanding how their thoughts affect their emotions and behaviors. It also highlights and attempts to improve how these three factors (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), affect each other. The goal of CBT is to teach patients that although they cannot control every aspect of the environment around them, they can learn better ways to interpret their environment and develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a very active therapeutic practice. Typically, the content of what is discussed in therapy is put into practice in everyday life by the patient, as new thought patterns and behaviors are hopefully developed. For those struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, phobias, or other diagnoses, Exposure and Response Prevention should be the focus of your work.