cognitive behavioral therapy

American  

[kog-ni-tiv bi-heyv-yer-uhl ther-uh-pee] / ˈkɒg nɪ tɪv bɪˈheɪv yər 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

"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

CPC may eventually allow Limbic to autonomously handle off-hours intake and provide off-hours cognitive behavioral therapy, said Chief Executive Vera Sansone, adding that patients treated with Limbic would still be seen by human clinicians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 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

Woebot, a pioneering chatbot developed by psychologist Alison Darcy while at Stanford, used scripted conversations based on cognitive behavioral therapy to support users with anxiety and depression.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025

Since you’ve had a reasonable amount of cognitive behavioral therapy, you tell yourself, I am not my thoughts, even though deep down you’re not sure what exactly that makes you.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green