What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and How Does It Work?

Posted: December 31, 2025

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, often called CBT, is a type of talk therapy that focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. The core idea is simple: the way you think about a situation affects how you feel and what you do next. By changing unhelpful thought patterns, you can change how you respond to challenges in everyday life.

CBT is commonly used to help with anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, and many other mental health concerns. It is practical, structured, and focused on the present rather than spending long periods talking about the past.

How CBT Works

CBT usually begins by helping you notice patterns in your thinking. Many people experience automatic thoughts that are negative, unrealistic, or overly critical. For example, a single mistake might lead to thoughts like, “I always mess things up,” which can trigger feelings of shame or hopelessness.

In CBT, a therapist helps you slow down and examine those thoughts. You learn to ask questions like:

Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?
Am I jumping to conclusions?
Is there another way to look at this situation?

Once unhelpful thoughts are identified, you practice replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones. This shift in thinking often leads to changes in emotions and behavior. Over time, new habits form, making it easier to respond calmly and clearly when challenges come up.

What to Expect in CBT Sessions

CBT is typically goal-oriented and time-limited. Sessions often include practical exercises, skill-building, and sometimes homework to practice between visits. You might track thoughts, try new coping strategies, or gently face situations you’ve been avoiding.

The goal of CBT isn’t to eliminate difficult emotions, but to help you handle them in healthier ways. By learning how your mind works and gaining tools to manage it, CBT helps many people feel more in control of their thoughts and their lives.

Looking for a trusted CBT therapist in Atlanta, GA? Reach out today.