Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way. CBT can be a very helpful tool, either alone or in combination with other therapies. CBT is a useful tool to address emotional challenges. For example, it may help you:

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• Manage symptoms of mental illness

• Prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms

• Treat a mental illness when medications aren't a good option

• Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations

• Identify ways to manage emotions

• Resolve relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate

• Cope with grief or loss

• Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence

• Cope with a medical illness

• Manage chronic physical symptoms

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In some cases, CBT is most effective when it's combined with other treatments, such as antidepressants or other medications.