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

Examples of cognitive behavioral therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tips for overcoming social anxiety include seeking professional therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, using relaxation and breathing techniques, lifestyle changes, and building social skills, among others. —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Treatment options depend on the type of substance but could involve a detox program, cognitive behavioral therapy or medication. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2025

More than 60 percent of people with MS reported meaningful reductions in fatigue with cognitive behavioral therapy or modafinil. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Fight the Blight uses a curriculum based on cognitive behavioral therapy to help participants build awareness around what fuels their hoarding. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 30 Dec. 2024

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