The Cognitive Model

CBT is a broad term used to describe theories of counseling that focus on the connection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and sensations in the body. Specifically, CBT is based on the idea that our reactions—that is, our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiological responses—are not caused by what happens to us, but how we think about what happens to us. This idea is called the cognitive model. Say, for example, you had dinner plans with a friend who suddenly canceled on you. You might think, “She always does this, she doesn’t care about me at all.” This might lead you to feel sad or depressed. You might cry, or even feel sick to your stomach. Another person on the other hand might think, “It would be nice to have some extra time to myself,” and feel happy and engage in some other activity. In this example you can see that the situation did not change, but two very different sets of reactions were created based on the thoughts each individual had in the situation. The cognitive model highlights the connection between our thoughts and reactions, providing a foundation to more effectively manage our psychological health.