Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that it is not events themselves, but a person’s thoughts and interpretations of those events, that largely determine emotions and behaviors. In other words, by identifying and changing distorted or unhelpful thinking, people can change how they feel and how they act.

Core idea

• Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are viewed as closely interconnected, with thoughts playing a central causal role.

• Changing maladaptive thoughts (for example, overly negative or inaccurate interpretations) is expected to lead to improvements in mood and more adaptive behavior.

Typical formulation

• Cognitive therapists focus on how a person’s core beliefs and automatic thoughts shape the way they perceive situations, rather than focusing mainly on the situations themselves.

• Therapy involves collaboratively examining and restructuring these thoughts so the person can respond to life events in more balanced and effective ways.