What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- What you think and do affects the way you feel.
- We can understand problems by examining our thoughts, emotions, physiology, and behavior in specific situations (these components all interact and can be helpfully visualized in a âhot cross bunâ format).
- Our best efforts to cope with our feelings often result in unintended consequences that prevent us from feeling better (introducing vicious cycles).
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Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Client version
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
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An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular, evidence-based, form of psychological therapy. One of the basic messages of CBT is that what you think and do affects the way you feel. What Is CBT? is a one-page information sheet which gives and explanation of the basic principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and explores how our (well-intentioned) behaviors often result in unintended consequences. Importantly, it emphasizes that CBT is a collaborative form of therapy which requires active participation in order to be helpful.
Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
- Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
- Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
- Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
- Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training
References And Further Reading
- Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford.
- Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: basics and beyond. New York: Guilford.