Guided by empirical research, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the development of personal coping strategies that target current problems and changing unhelpful patterns in thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. Originally, it was designed to treat depression and is now has numerous applications for treatment in counseling.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is “problem-focused” and “action-oriented”, meaning it is used to treat specific problems related to a diagnosed condition and or substance abuse problem (addiction). The counselor’s primary role is to aid the client in finding strategies to address the identified goals and decrease symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the belief that irrational thoughts and negative behaviors play a role in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders or unwanted behaviors. Symptoms can be reduced by teaching new skills and coping mechanisms to the individual.