Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) was developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck. It is a therapeutic approach in which the therapist uses the cognitive-behavioral model to help clients overcome their difficulties by changing thoughts, behavior, and emotions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the assumption that our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions influence our feelings and behavior. During therapy, the therapist helps the client to identify and change unidentified or negative thoughts and beliefs that may be negatively affecting his or her psychological state. The patient learns to cope with problems and situations more effectively by restructuring thoughts and developing positive behavioral practices.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found in hundreds of scientific studies to be effective in treating numerous mental disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse, and in recent years has been applied to personality disorders.
It has also been shown to be effective as an adjunctive therapy to pharmacotherapy for mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders etc… It also has application for adolescents and children, couples, and families.