What type of therapy is primarily focused on altering distorted thinking patterns?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is primarily focused on altering distorted thinking patterns. This therapeutic approach is based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing negative thought patterns can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors. CBT involves identifying these distorted or irrational thoughts, challenging them, and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thinking.

Through various techniques like cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to recognize unhelpful thinking styles, such as all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophizing, and to reframe these thoughts to facilitate healthier emotional responses and behavior changes. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and often involves homework assignments to reinforce new skills and insights outside of therapy sessions, allowing individuals to practice and apply these changes in everyday life.

Other therapeutic modalities, such as interpersonal therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, address different aspects of mental health, like relationships, social dynamics, or family systems, but do not specifically focus on the modification of distorted thinking patterns to the same extent as CBT does.