Definition: A type of psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") that is based on the theory that psychological symptoms are related to the interaction of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist and patient will work on identifying and directly changing thoughts and behaviors that may be maintaining symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapists often assign homework for the patient to complete outside of sessions. One variation of cognitive behavioral therapy that is used to treat borderline personality disorder is "dialectical behavior therapy."
Also Known As: CBT
