Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of mental health counseling (psychotherapy). With cognitive behavioral therapy, you work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking, so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a very helpful tool in treating mental disorders or illnesses, such as anxiety or depression. But not everyone who benefits from cognitive behavioral therapy has a mental health condition. It can be an effective tool to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations.
Mental health conditions that may improve with cognitive behavioral therapy include:
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
