Cognitive therapy, also called cognitive-behavior therapy, is a practical, present-focused approach to treatment in which the therapist helps people overcome symptoms and improve their functioning by teaching them skills to manage the thoughts (cognitions) and behaviors that contribute to their problems.

• empirically-based. Cognitive therapy has been shown in controlled studies to provide effective treatment for numerous problems and disorders. It has been shown to be as effective as drug treatment for depression and the anxiety disorders.
• goal-oriented. Therapist and patient work together to set clear, measurable goals for therapy and to monitor progress toward the goals.
• practical and concrete. Therapy is intended to solve concrete problems. Typical therapy goals include reducing or eliminating depressive symptoms, panic attacks, compulsive rituals, hair-pulling, procrastination, social isolation, and improving mood and relationships with others.
• active. The therapist serves as teacher and coach, and the patient works outside of therapy sessions to practice the strategies learned in therapy.
• collaborative. Patient and therapist work together, as a team, to understand and develop strategies to address the patient's difficulties.

To see an example, click here.

To see more examples pertaining to specific problems, click here.