US High School Psychology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) primarily focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns, which is essential for addressing various psychological issues. This approach operates on the foundational idea that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors. By identifying and modifying distorted or unhelpful thoughts, individuals can change how they feel and act in various situations.

Through structured techniques, CBT helps individuals examine beliefs that lead to negative outcomes and replace them with more balanced and constructive thoughts. This transformative process can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and various other mental health conditions.

In contrast, other therapeutic approaches aim at different goals. For instance, exploring unconscious conflicts and facilitating self-exploration may be more aligned with psychodynamic or humanistic therapies, which emphasize deeper insights into one's psyche rather than the immediate changes in thought patterns.