What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

By Dax Johnson, LCMHC, NCC

Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are deeply connected. When negative thought patterns become deeply ingrained, they can contribute to struggles such as anxiety, depression, and low self-worth.

One of the most widely used and researched therapy approaches for addressing these patterns is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What Is CBT?

CBT is a structured form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns that influence emotions and behavior.

Instead of focusing only on past experiences, CBT helps individuals understand how their current thoughts affect their feelings and actions.

How Negative Thoughts Develop

Over time, people often develop automatic thought patterns such as:

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “Things will never get better.”

• “If I make a mistake, everything will fall apart.”

These thoughts may feel automatic or even true, but they often reflect distorted ways of thinking.

CBT helps individuals learn how to recognize these patterns and replace them with healthier, more balanced perspectives.

What Happens in CBT Therapy?

In CBT, therapy sessions often include:

• Identifying negative thought patterns

• Challenging distorted beliefs

• Practicing healthier thinking patterns

• Learning coping and emotional regulation skills

Clients are often given practical tools or exercises to apply between sessions so they can build real-life skills.

Why CBT Is Effective

CBT has been widely researched and shown to be effective for conditions such as:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Panic attacks

• Stress and burnout

• Negative self-beliefs

Because CBT focuses on practical tools and skill-building, many individuals find it helpful for making lasting changes.

At Lionheart Counseling LLC in Murray, Utah, CBT is one of four primary evidence-based approaches used to help adults break self-sabotaging patterns, challenge negative self-beliefs, and build a genuinely different relationship with their own thinking. If you've been stuck in the same thought loops no matter how hard you've tried to change them — CBT might be exactly what you've been missing.

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Ready to get to the root of what's keeping you stuck? Learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Lionheart Counseling or book a free 15-minute consultation to see if this is the right fit.

‍ ‍Dax Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in Murray, Utah, specializing in trauma, self-sabotage, anxiety, and depression. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and holds an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Dax uses evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, IFS, and SFBT, as well as Christian counseling for clients who desire a faith-integrated approach.

Lionheart Counseling LLC provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to adults in Murray, Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Midvale, West Jordan, Taylorsville, Herriman, Cottonwood Heights, Orem, and Provo, Utah and via telehealth statewide.

Dax Johnson, LCMHC (#13937032-6004) | Licensed under Utah Code 58-60-402 and 58-60-407