What is the main goal of cognitive behavioral therapy?

The primary goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to identify patterns of thinking that lead to emotional distress. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that negative or distorted thinking can contribute to emotional difficulties and maladaptive behaviors. By helping clients recognize and challenge these negative thought patterns, CBT aims to empower them to make healthier cognitive choices, ultimately leading to improved emotional regulation and behavioral responses.

While sharing feelings and providing psychoeducation can be valuable components of therapy, they do not encapsulate the core aim of CBT. Moreover, focusing on family conflict resolution is more aligned with family therapy or systemic approaches rather than the cognitive-behavioral framework. Thus, option A distinctly represents the central focus of CBT on cognitive restructuring to alleviate emotional distress.