What type of therapy focuses primarily on changing dysfunctional thoughts?

Cognitive therapy specifically targets the modification of dysfunctional thought patterns. It operates on the premise that our thoughts significantly influence our feelings and behaviors. By identifying and challenging negative or irrational beliefs, cognitive therapy helps individuals cultivate healthier thinking patterns, which can lead to improved emotional well-being and behavior.

In contrast, behavioral therapy primarily emphasizes changing maladaptive behaviors through reinforcement and conditioning techniques, while humanistic therapy centers around personal growth and self-actualization, focusing on the individual's subjective experience and intrinsic potential. Psychoanalytic therapy relies on exploring unconscious processes and childhood experiences to understand behavior, rather than specifically addressing thought patterns. This distinction highlights why cognitive therapy is the most fitting choice for changing dysfunctional thoughts.