How Does CBT Work?

CBT interventions provide a simple ways of understanding challenging situations and problematic reactions to them. Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes three main components implicated in psychological problems: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By breaking down difficult feelings into these component parts, it becomes very clear where and how to intervene when an issue arises. If a particular negative thought seems to be causing a chain reaction of negative emotion and behavior, the best solution may be to reexamine that thought. If a behavioral pattern seems responsible, it’s likely a new behavioral response to the situation would be helpful.

Often, all three components are interwoven throughout difficult problems and feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy exercises are designed to intervene on all three components simultaneously. For instance, when uncontrollable worry is the problem, CBT exercises can help people to identify more effective and grounded thoughts, which lessens anxiety. In turn, reduced anxiety makes it easier to engage in skillful behavior to actively address the triggering problematic situation.

Below is a list of cognitive behavioral therapy exercises common to a number of different CBT treatments:



Cognitive Restructuring: Cognitive restructuring (also referred to as cognitive reappraisal) is a cognitive behavioral therapy exercise designed to help people examine unhelpful thinking patterns and devise new ways of reacting to problematic situations. Cognitive restructuring often involves keeping a thought record, which is a way of tracking dysfunctional automatic thoughts, and devising adaptive alternative responses.