What Are the Characteristics of CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of therapy based on the cognitive model of emotional response. It focuses on the idea that it is a person's thoughts which influence his feelings and behavior, not external factors. CBT challenges a person's thoughts and aims to change the way he responds emotionally and behaves towards a factor beyond his control. The methods of implementing cognitive behavioral therapy are varied, but most cognitive-based therapies have similar characteristics.

Based on the Cognitive Model of Emotional Response

• This form of therapy is based on the idea that thoughts control feelings and behaviors, and not external factors, such as other people, situations or events which are often beyond the client's control. CBT aims to change the way a client thinks about and acts upon a situation or event, even if the situation or event does not alter.

Goal-Directed Therapy

• The sessions of CBT are goal-directed. The client and the therapist collaborate together to develop goals that the client wants to achieve. Often goals will alter over time. Goals should be specific and defined; for example, if a client says "I want to go out more," the therapist might suggest a more concrete goal for the client to work towards such as "I want to go to the local shop."

Use of Homework

• Homework is a central part of cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps clients to work towards their goals between sessions on their own. It also gives them the chance to practice the techniques learned in each session. Homework tasks show a client that he is capable of making changes to his feelings and behavior without a therapist present, which is an important aim of CBT. An example of a piece of homework given to a client is keeping a thought journal.

Time Limited

• CBT is not intended to last forever and there are often a limited number of sessions. The average number of sessions that a client receives is only 16. The aim of this therapy is to teach clients to become their own therapists and not depend too much on therapy. Each session is highly instructive and focuses on a goal for the client to achieve, which is encouraged further through the use of homework tasks. Goals are always kept in mind at and between sessions, which speeds up the learning process. The decision to end formal therapy is decided by the client and the therapist.