Cognitive therapy also includes a number of behavioral interventions such as activity scheduling and graded task assignments. These procedures are used to reverse behavioral pathology and to influence cognitive functioning. If behavior improves, there is usually a salutatory effect on cognition. In a similar manner, cognitive changes can lead to behavioral gains. Thus, cognitive therapists often combine cognitive and behavioral techniques in clinical practice.
Cognitive therapy is the most heavily researched form of psychotherapy.
Multiple well controlled outcome studies have shown cognitive therapy to be an effective treatment for depression. Also, cognitive therapy has been found to be a particularly useful intervention for panic disorder and social phobia. Other conditions for which cognitive therapy has been proven useful include psychophysiological disorders, bulimia, and cocaine abuse. Therapists are more active than in many other types of treatment for emotional disorders. A strong therapeutic relationship is encouraged between clinician and patient.