How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Differ From Other Depression Treatments?
The focus and method of cognitive behavioral therapy sets it apart from other, more traditional therapies: • CBT is based on two specific tasks: cognitive restructuring, in which the therapist and patient work together to change thinking patterns, and behavioral activation — in which patients learn to overcome obstacles to participating in enjoyable activities. CBT focuses on the immediate present: what and how a person thinks more than why a person thinks that way. • CBT focuses on specific problems. In individual or group sessions, problem behaviors and problem thinking are identified, prioritized, and specifically addressed. • CBT is goal oriented. Patients working with their therapists are asked to define goals for each session as well as longer-term goals. Longer-term goals may take several weeks to achieve or even a couple months. Some goals may even be targeted for completion after the sessions come to an end. • The approach of CBT is educational. The therapist uses structured
