What does the term "cognitive-behavioral therapy" (CBT) refer to?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is characterized by its focus on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It aims to identify and alter negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. By recognizing cognitive distortions and challenging them, individuals can develop healthier thinking styles, which in turn can lead to more constructive emotional responses and actions. This structured, goal-oriented approach helps clients understand how their thoughts influence their feelings and actions, making it effective for a variety of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

In contrast to the other options, which emphasize different therapeutic concepts—such as emotional catharsis, medication management, or group dynamics—CBT specifically combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to address psychological problems. It does not rely solely on medication or exclusively group settings, and it is not primarily focused on emotional catharsis as sought in other therapies. This distinctive focus on changing cognitive processes to improve emotional and behavioral outcomes is what clearly defines CBT as the correct answer.