Which statement best describes cognitive therapy?

• A. A process of replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts and beliefs.
• B. A type of therapy focused on changing negative behavior by changing false thinking and beliefs.
• C. A therapy that ignores thoughts and focuses on coping skills only
• D. A technique to restructure memory

Answer: (B)

Cognitive therapy centers on how our thoughts influence our emotions and actions, and it aims to help people identify and modify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns to improve feelings and behavior. The statement that describes it best emphasizes changing negative thinking and beliefs to bring about changes in behavior, reflecting the core idea that cognitive distortions drive emotional distress and problematic actions. It’s not just about replacing thoughts with positivity or ignoring thoughts; cognitive therapy involves examining evidence for automatic thoughts, challenging distortions, and developing more accurate, constructive ways of thinking. It also isn’t primarily about restructuring memories, which would misrepresent its focus.