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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


Etymology

Origin of cognitive behavioral therapy

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Another study paired creatine with cognitive behavioral therapy.

From Science Daily Jun. 30, 2026

"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

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

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