CBT rests on the assumption that the way people think and interpret life events affects how they behave and feel. Therapy sessions focus on exploring and developing methods to deal with challenges and behaviors that arise from day to day. This type of therapy can be effective Trusted Source in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
CBT often consists of 6–20 one-on-one sessions, though some people may have more. It can also take the form of group sessions.
Read on to learn more about CBT, including its aims, how it works, common strategies, and how it compares to other types of therapy.
Some forms of psychotherapy focus on looking into the past to understand current feelings. Instead, CBT focuses on present thoughts and beliefs. It emphasizes the need to identify, challenge, and change how a person views a situation.
Although counselors typically personalizeTrusted Source sessions to an individual, CBT steps may include:
• An individual assessment
• Establishing goals and areas to work on early in the process
• Regularly checking the person’s mood and any life updates
• Collaboratively setting agendas for each session
• Reviewing any homework
• Punctuating discussions with feedback and summaries
• Assigning further homework at the end of sessions