Which behavioral therapy technique involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns?

The technique that involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns is cognitive restructuring. This approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and focuses on helping individuals recognize distorted or unhelpful thoughts that contribute to emotional distress or maladaptive behaviors. By bringing awareness to these negative thoughts, individuals can challenge and reframe them, leading to more positive patterns of thinking and ultimately healthier emotional responses.

In cognitive restructuring, specific strategies such as examining evidence for and against a thought, considering alternative viewpoints, and assessing the impact of these thoughts on emotional well-being are often employed. This process empowers individuals to take control of their mental processes and promotes more adaptive thinking, which is essential for effective emotional regulation and behavior change.

In contrast, exposure therapy primarily addresses fears and anxieties by gradually exposing individuals to stimuli they fear, while behavioral activation focuses on increasing engagement with valued activities to combat depression. Mindfulness-based therapy emphasizes being present and aware without judgment, which can complement cognitive restructuring but does not directly involve changing thought patterns in the same way.