cognitive behavioral therapy

American  

[kog-ni-tiv bi-heyv-yer-uhl ther-uh-pee] / ˈkɒg nɪ tɪv bɪˈheɪv jər əl ˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

1. Psychology. a form of psychological therapy that seeks to identify and change patterns of thought, perception, and behavior that can be harmful to a person's mental health. CBT

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Etymology

Origin of cognitive behavioral therapy

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cognitive behavioral therapy

"Most of us know about cognitive behavioral therapy which can help address the thoughts and the patterns that we have about pulling," she said.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026

Limbic also uses AI to provide cognitive behavioral therapy, primarily in the U.K., though some pilots have launched in the U.S., said co-founder and Chief Executive Ross Harper.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026

To evaluate the systems, the researchers observed seven trained peer counselors who had experience with cognitive behavioral therapy.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 2, 2026

"I've tried antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, benzos, sleeping pills and stimulants, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy... tai chi, reiki, meditation, veganism, art therapy and music therapy," the former stand-up comedian said.

From Barron's ● Feb. 25, 2026

CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy, which sounds painful, but isn’t as awful as it sounds.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam