What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

This form of psychotherapy combines cognitive and behavioral therapy. Central to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the notion that our feelings are influenced to a large extent by the ways in which we view life events. It essentially helps us to think in more effective ways. Our thoughts can block us seeing things that don’t fit with what we believe are true. CBT helps us to step outside our automatic thoughts and test them out. As a result of experience, or associative learning, individuals often respond in predictable ways to certain stimuli or life events. But, unfortunately, these learned responses are not always adaptive or effective in their present lives. CBT helps an individual to see which are his life problems and develop more effective coping techniques and skills. An important advantage of CBT is that it tends to be short, taking three to six months for most emotional problems.