What type of therapy focuses on altering dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is designed specifically to address and modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the understanding that our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors. Therefore, by identifying and changing negative thought patterns, individuals can alter their emotions and actions, leading to improvements in mental health and well-being.

CBT employs various techniques, including cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure therapy, which empowers individuals to challenge and replace unhealthy beliefs and habits with more constructive ones. This direct focus on thoughts and behaviors differentiates CBT from other therapeutic approaches, making it particularly effective in treating a range of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, and phobias.

In contrast, psychodynamic therapy often delves into unconscious processes and past experiences, humanistic therapy highlights personal growth and self-actualization, and Gestalt therapy emphasizes awareness and present experiences. While all these approaches have their merits, none specifically target the alteration of dysfunctional thought patterns and behavior as directly as cognitive-behavioral therapy does.