Which psychological treatment is primarily concerned with addressing thought distortions in patients?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is primarily focused on identifying and addressing thought distortions in patients. This type of therapy operates on the principle that maladaptive thought patterns can lead to emotional distress and behavioral issues. By helping patients recognize these distortions—such as all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, or personalization—CBT aims to modify these negative thought patterns into more balanced and rational ones.

The goal is to equip patients with cognitive restructuring techniques, allowing them to challenge and change preconceived notions that negatively impact their mental health. Through this method, CBT not only mitigates symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression but also empowers individuals to develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies. This cognitive approach makes CBT distinct as a treatment method with a specific focus on thought processes in the therapeutic setting.