cognitive behavioral therapy

American

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

noun

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.

"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

Similar limitations affected research on cognitive behavioral therapy in children and adolescents, as well as studies examining the long-term effects of mindfulness in adults.

From Science Daily

This research also suggests that behavioral interventions such as exercise, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy may influence how these brain circuits fire, just as hunger and fear did in the lab.

From Science Daily

For some people experiencing chronic pain, a combination of physical exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy—both cornerstones of Sherry’s programs—can be life-changing.

From Slate

He does a daily 10-minute meditation, but it also has loving-kindness meditations, cognitive behavioral therapy.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023