Which statement best describes the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

• A. Hands-on practical approach to problem-solving
• B. Changes patterns of thinking or behavior that are responsible for clients' difficulties
• C. CBT changes clients' attitudes and behaviors
• D. Combination of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy

Answer: (B)

CBT aims to change the patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to a client's difficulties. It rests on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected, and that by identifying and altering distorted or unhelpful thoughts and by modifying problematic behaviors, distress decreases. The work is collaborative, structured, and skill-focused, often with homework to practice cognitive restructuring and new coping strategies in real life.

Think of it this way: if automatic thoughts are fueling anxiety or depressive symptoms, CBT teaches you to notice those thoughts, test their accuracy, and replace them with more accurate, helpful ones, while also changing behaviors that maintain the problem. This combination of cognitive and behavioral change is the core aim, rather than simply solving problems on the surface, shifting attitudes without the cognitive-behavioral practice, or describing the approach only as a mix of psychotherapy and behavioral techniques.