What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) primarily focused on?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is primarily focused on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. The foundation of CBT is the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying and challenging distorted or unhelpful thoughts, individuals can alter their emotional responses and behaviors. This therapeutic approach helps clients recognize the impact of negative thinking on their mood and actions, enabling them to replace these thoughts with healthier, more constructive ones. As a result, CBT aims to empower individuals to break the cycle of negative thinking and create positive change in their lives.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary focus of CBT. While identifying and changing positive behaviors might play a role in the broader context of therapy, it does not represent the core tenet of CBT. Likewise, understanding childhood experiences is more aligned with psychodynamic or attachment-based therapies, which delve into the influence of past experiences on current behavior but not specifically on cognitive restructuring. Lastly, prescribing medication pertains to pharmacotherapy and is not a component of CBT, which centers around psychological techniques rather than medicinal interventions.