What is the main goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) primarily aims to change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. The premise of CBT is that cognitive distortions or irrational thought patterns can lead to negative feelings and actions, which can perpetuate mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and phobias. By identifying and restructuring these negative thoughts, individuals learn to adopt healthier thinking patterns, which can lead to improved emotional well-being and behavioral responses.

This therapeutic approach is structured and goal-oriented, making it effective for a wide range of mental health disorders. It is grounded in the idea that changing how we think about a situation can influence how we feel and behave in response to that situation, thereby empowering individuals to take control of their mental health.

The other options represent concepts or practices that are not the primary focus of CBT. For example, analyzing family dynamics pertains more to family therapy, prescribing medication is related to pharmacological treatment rather than psychotherapy, and promoting physical exercise is a health behavior that, while beneficial, is not a goal of CBT itself. Understanding the primary objective of CBT helps to clarify its significance in therapeutic settings and its effectiveness in treating various psychological conditions.