Which of the following is one of the five basic components of cognitive behavioral therapy?

• A. Pharmacotherapy
• B. Cognitive restructuring
• C. Electroconvulsive therapy
• D. Hypnosis

Answer: (B)

In cognitive behavioral therapy, changing how you think to influence how you feel and behave is central. Cognitive restructuring is the technique that directly targets distorted thoughts. It involves spotting automatic negative or unhelpful thoughts, examining the evidence for and against them, and reframing them into more balanced, realistic beliefs. This process is usually practiced with tools like thought records, guided questioning, and behavioral experiments to test these beliefs in real life.

For example, when a student thinks, “I’ll fail this presentation,” cognitive restructuring helps reframe it to something like, “I’ve prepared, I can handle the presentation, and I can learn from any mistakes.” This shift in thinking leads to more adaptive emotions and behaviors, such as reduced anxiety and clearer communication.

The other options aren’t part of this CBT approach: pharmacotherapy involves medications, electroconvulsive therapy is a medical procedure for certain mood disorders, and hypnosis is a different technique not typically included as a core CBT component.