Depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict are often the result of negative cognitions , or thoughts. Underlying these unrealistic cognitions are often a set of unrealistic assumptions . In cognitive therapy, you can learn to change your behavior, thoughts, and interpersonal skills to pursue a more realistic and rewarding life. Each session begins with an agenda, focussed on the current problems, with active interaction with the therapist. Patients complete homework through which they practice new behaviors and communication skills and challenge their negative cognitions.
Patients assess progress by evaluating changes in symptoms.
The average number of sessions for patients with depression is 25. Some patients choose to continue for further work on relationships and unrealistic assumptions, or to learn more about the origins of their problems.