cognitive behavioral therapy

noun

variants or less commonly cognitive behavior therapy

: psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy with behavior therapy by identifying faulty or maladaptive patterns of thinking, emotional response, or behavior and substituting them with desirable patterns of thinking, emotional response, or behavior

—abbreviation CBT

Note: Cognitive behavioral therapy is used in the treatment of various mental and emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, anorexia, and substance abuse. Cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are often used interchangeably.

Cognitive behavioral therapy prods patients to do things that will make them feel a sense of accomplishment and connection, and to avoid interpreting situations as being worse than they are.

—David H. Freedman

The most scientifically studied technique, cognitive behavior therapy, teaches people to identify and dispute self-degrading thoughts … that can feed on themselves and cause people to sink into despair.

—Benedict Carey

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The Bazaar program blends elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help young people and young adults aged 17 to 35 understand their minds and give them the training, skills, tools and techniques to support themselves. —Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2023

This was done over the course of six months using a combination of psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. —Giulia Poerio, CNN, 9 Jan. 2023

Experts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and a healthy wind down routine (limiting screens before bed, and being in dark, cool spaces) for treating insomnia. —Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2022

The app aims to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by suggesting a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and general wellness exercises to users. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 7 July 2022

An effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder is to schedule regular sessions with a good psychotherapist who can guide you through coping techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. —Nandi Howard, Essence, 24 Nov. 2022

Patients can explore nonmedication options like cognitive behavioral therapy or seek a It’s important to remember that these are stopgap solutions though, a path for people to get from Point A to Point B, Dr. Fabrett said. —Dani Blum, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2022

There haven’t been many studies on using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help lessen abdominal migraine attacks in kids, but some research supports CBT for treating migraine headaches in children. —Risa Kerslake, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022

In some instances, family therapy, group therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help. —Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 28 Nov. 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cognitive behavioral therapy

noun

variants also cognitive behavior therapy

: psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy with behavior therapy by identifying faulty or maladaptive patterns of thinking, emotional response, or behavior and substituting them with desirable patterns of thinking, emotional response, or behavior

—abbreviation CBT

Note: Cognitive behavioral therapy is used in the treatment of various mental and emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, anorexia, and substance abuse. Cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are often used interchangeably.

Cognitive behavioral therapy prods patients to do things that will make them feel a sense of accomplishment and connection, and to avoid interpreting situations as being worse than they are.

—David H. Freedman, Discover

The most scientifically studied technique, cognitive behavior therapy, teaches people to identify and dispute self-degrading thoughts … that can feed on themselves and cause people to sink into despair.

—Benedict Carey, The New York Times