Which type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically targets changing negative thought patterns to influence emotions and behaviors. The foundational principle of CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by altering dysfunctional or unhelpful thoughts, an individual can improve their emotional state and reactions to certain situations.

CBT employs various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, where clients identify and challenge distorted beliefs and assumptions. This process empowers individuals to replace negative thoughts with more realistic and constructive ones, thereby reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The therapy also often involves practice and reinforcement of these new thought patterns through behavioral experiments and assignments, enhancing overall mental wellness.

While other therapies like humanistic therapy focus on self-actualization and personal growth, behavioral therapy emphasizes modifying observable behaviors through reinforcement strategies. Psychodynamic therapy primarily explores unconscious processes and past experiences influencing current behavior but does not focus explicitly on changing thought patterns in the way that CBT does. Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy is uniquely positioned as a systematic approach to transforming negative thinking into positive, adaptive patterns.