Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying thought patterns, perspective taking on their utility, and modifying the behavioral response to thoughts. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing our relationship with our thoughts can lead to changes in our emotional experience and more importantly, our behaviors.

Key Elements of CBT:

1. Goal-Oriented: CBT is structured and goal-oriented, with a focus on specific problems, in the here and now, and achieving concrete results.

2. Short-Term: Typically, CBT is a short-term treatment, with many patients seeing improvement within a few months.

3. Evidence-Based: Numerous studies have shown that CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia and more.

4. Active Participation: Patients actively participate in their treatment, including practices outside of session that reinforce the skills learned in therapy sessions.

5. Skills Development: CBT teaches practical skills for coping with and working through problems, helping patients to become their own therapists.

How CBT Works:

1. Identifying Negative Thoughts: Patients work with therapists to identify thoughts that are not helpful.

2. Perspective Taking: These thoughts are then examined to determine their utility and identify potentially more helpful perspectives.

3. Changing Behavior: Patients learn to change their relationship with thoughts and to change behaviors that contribute to maintaining unhelpful thought patterns.

CBT is a collaborative process, with therapists and patients working together to understand problems and develop effective strategies for improvement. It is widely used and respected for its efficacy and practical approach to treatment.