What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Who Can It Help?

Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and How It Works

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, structured form of psychotherapy used for many concerns, including anxiety and depression. At Empower Psychotherapy, CBT may be used to help clients notice unhelpful patterns, test more balanced perspectives, and practice behaviors that support their goals. Results vary, and the approach should be tailored to each person’s needs.

What Is CBT?

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that examines how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. It grew from work led by psychiatrist Aaron Beck and other clinicians beginning in the 1960s. In therapy, clients may learn to identify unhelpful patterns, evaluate the evidence for their thoughts, and practice alternative responses. CBT is collaborative, and specific techniques depend on the person’s goals, symptoms, and clinical needs.

How CBT Works

CBT follows a structured approach that typically involves the following key components:

1. Identifying Negative Thought Patterns

   • Clients learn to recognize automatic negative thoughts that contribute to distress.

   • These thoughts are often irrational, exaggerated, or based on cognitive distortions.

   
   

2. Challenging and Reframing Thoughts

   • Therapists guide clients in examining the validity of their thoughts.

   • Cognitive restructuring helps replace negative thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.

   
   

3. Behavioral Activation

   • Clients engage in activities that boost mood and promote positive reinforcement.

   • Small, manageable goals help build confidence and motivation.

   
   

4. Developing Coping Strategies

   • Practical tools such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skills help manage stress and anxiety.

   • Clients learn to respond to challenges in healthier ways.

   
   

5. Practicing New Skills

   • CBT emphasizes practicing techniques outside of therapy sessions.

   • Homework assignments, such as journaling or exposure exercises, reinforce learning.

Conditions CBT Can Help With

CBT has research support for a range of concerns. Depending on the person and diagnosis, it may be used alone or alongside other treatments for:

• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias)

• Depression

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Eating disorders

• Insomnia

• Stress management

Benefits of CBT

• Evidence-Based: CBT has substantial research support, although effectiveness depends on the concern, treatment plan, therapist-client fit, and individual circumstances.

  
  

• Short-Term and Structured: CBT often uses clear goals and a structured plan. The number of sessions varies based on clinical needs, progress, and the complexity of the concern.

  
  

• Empowers Clients: CBT helps clients practice skills such as noticing thought patterns, testing alternative perspectives, and changing behaviors between sessions.

  
  

• Adaptable for Telehealth: Many CBT exercises can be used during secure video appointments when online therapy is clinically appropriate for the client.

How Empower Psychotherapy Can Help

At Empower Psychotherapy, our clinicians tailor therapy to each client’s goals and needs. CBT may be appropriate for concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, or difficulty changing patterns. Your therapist can help determine whether CBT—or another approach—is a suitable fit.

Explore CBT Therapy with Empower

If you would like to explore CBT, learn more about online therapy in Arizona or check current therapist availability.

Online therapy is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.