Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based treatment for depression anxiety and PTSD. CBT is based on the premise that our thoughts feelings and behaviors interact in a way that tends to maintain certain maladaptive or unhealthy patterns of behavior. CBT looks at thoughts with the aim of challenging any distortions or irrational beliefs that a person holds. Our beliefs influence the way we see the world (e.g. as a safe or unsafe place), and they have an important effect on our mood and our actions. CBT is designed to assist people to develop more accurate, rational, and helpful thoughts, and set behavioral goals to improve their functioning. Evidence shows that CBT is just as effective (if not more effective) than antidepressant medications, and is the gold standard for treating anxiety disorders.
