Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) explores the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It is a directive, time-bound and structured approach. This form of psychological treatment has been shown to be effective in overcoming a number of problems and more effective compared to other psychological therapies and psychiatric medications. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. The CBT approach has been developed based on both clinical practice and research. Therefore, it is one of the favored therapies but also an approach from which numerous scientific evidences have been drawn that the methods used by this approach enable change (APA, n.d.)

Basic principles of cognitive behavioral therapy

The basis of the cognitive model is the way in which cognition (the way we think about things and the content of those thoughts) is conceptualized.

Beck (1976), who is also the developer of this theory, described three levels of cognition:

1. Core beliefs

2. Dysfunctional assumptions

3. Automatic negative thoughts

Beck (1976) for core beliefs or schemas, says that they are strong beliefs about oneself, others and the world. Core beliefs are generally learned early in life and are influenced by childhood experiences and are seen as absolute. The cognitive triad of negative core beliefs, as described below:

1. The self, e.g. "I'm useless"

2. The world/others, eg. "The world is unfair"

3. The future, e.g. "Things will never work out for me"

Dysfunctional assumptions are "rigid and conditioned rules of living" that people internalize. These may be unrealistic and therefore inappropriate. For example, one may live by the rule that "It is better not to try than to risk failing."

Automatic negative thoughts are thoughts that are activated involuntarily in certain situations. For example, in situations of negativity, it can be related to low self-esteem and uselessness. For example, when faced with a task, a negative automatic thought might be "I'm going to fail" or others like "I'm stupid" or "They're going to make fun of me" when you're about to give a presentation, anxiety sets in and fear. Negative thoughts can be overwhelming and dominate the way you think and act (Fenn & Byrne, 2013). 

American Psychological Association. (n.d.) What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?. Clinical Practice Ptsdguideline. Retrieved 02.12.2023, from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral.pdf

Beck, R., & Perkins, T. S. (2001). Cognitive content-specificity for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 25, 651-663

Fenn K, Byrne M. The key principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. InnovAiT. 2013;6(9):579-585. doi:10.1177/1755738012471029