Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Discusses the history, theory, and practice of this commonly practiced therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy originated in the science and theory of classical and instrumental conditioning; cognitive principles were incorporated following dissatisfaction with a strictly behavioral approach. Cognitive-behavioral therapy combines behavioral and cognitive interventions: behavioral interventions aim to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase adaptive ones, and cognitive interventions aim to modify maladaptive thoughts, self-statements, or beliefs. Although a number of variations on the original theory have developed over the decades, all types of cognitive - behavioral therapy are unified by their empirical foundation, reliance on the theory and science of behavior and cognition, and the centrality of problem-focused goals.