What is the main goal of cognitive therapy in treating anxiety?

The primary aim of cognitive therapy in addressing anxiety is to change negative thought patterns. This therapeutic approach focuses on identifying and restructuring irrational or maladaptive thoughts that contribute to feelings of anxiety. By helping individuals recognize and reframe these cognitive distortions, cognitive therapy can lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms and improve emotional regulation.

Changing the way one thinks can empower individuals to respond differently to anxiety-provoking situations, ultimately fostering healthier coping mechanisms and enhancing their overall mental well-being. The effectiveness of cognitive therapy in modifying thought patterns makes it a cornerstone treatment for many anxiety disorders, leading to improved outcomes for patients.

Other options such as reducing medication needs, improving physical fitness, or increasing social interaction, while potentially beneficial in their own right, do not directly address the cognitive distortions that perpetuate anxiety, and therefore do not align with the primary goal of cognitive therapy in this context.