Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that focuses on addressing and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. It is a goal directed, applied approach designed to help individuals identify and modify dysfunctional thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviors. 

It is based on collaborative empiricism, the collaborative relationship between the specialist and the client where the former posits specialized knowledge while the second poses self-knowledge. 

Numerous studies have verified the effectiveness of CBT in children and adults and disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the treatment of insomnia.