cognitive therapy

noun

: psychotherapy that emphasizes the substitution of desirable patterns of thinking for maladaptive or faulty ones

especially : cognitive behavioral therapy

—abbreviation CT compare behavior therapy

Examples of cognitive therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The therapy has five components, which are sleep hygiene, relaxation and stress reduction, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction and cognitive therapy. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

The therapy has five components covering sleep hygiene, relaxation and stress reduction, stimulus control, sleep restriction and cognitive therapy, according to Stanford Medicine. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026

In mid-May, her uncle said she was being transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston to begin physical and cognitive therapy as the next step in her recovery. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Instead, doctors take a holistic approach that includes managing physical symptoms, working with social workers to address patients’ needs, and cognitive therapy. — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cognitive therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

Medical Definition

cognitive therapy

noun

: psychotherapy that emphasizes the substitution of desirable patterns of thinking for maladaptive or faulty ones

especially : cognitive behavioral therapy

—abbreviation CT compare behavior therapy

cognitive therapist noun