What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular theory to use in counseling with clients of all ages and diversities (Vernon, 2004). The theory originated with Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s as a short-term, here-and-now focused, problem-solving form of psychotherapy for depression (Beck, 1995). The main concept is that individuals are in control of their thoughts and, therefore, in control of how they feel (Beck, 1995). The goal of therapy is to produce cognitive change in a client's thinking and belief system to help create emotional and behavioral changes in the client's environment (Beck, 1995). CBT is goal oriented, structured, and problem focused for every client (Beck, 1995). The client's treatment plan will vary considering the presenting problem, any diagnosis issued, past exposure to therapy, client goals, and willingness to participate in treatment (Beck, 1995).

A CBT counselor creates a cognitive conceptualization to create an individualized framework to work with each client. Through this technique, counseling can be customized to each client utilizing several overarching principles in CBT (Beck, 1995). CBT consists of specific learning experiences designed to teach clients how to track their automatic thoughts, acknowledge the connection between thoughts and personal behaviors, and substitute more rational oriented interpretations in place of irrational thoughts (Beck, 1995). Because CBT is pragmatic, psycho-educational, and relatively brief, it has become a popular therapy utilized in private practices by counselors.  

Sources: 

Beck, J.S. (1995). Cognitive therapy: Basic and beyond. New York: The Guilford Press. 

Vernon, A. (2004). Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. In B. T. Erford (Ed.), Professional

school counseling: A handbook of theories, programs, & practices (91-100). Austin, TX:
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