What is the cognitive behavioral perspective?

This approach suggests that observable behaviour should be the focus of study.

The patient imagines a difficult situation and the therapist guides him through the step-by-step process of facing and successfully dealing with it. The patient then works on practicing, or...

works to decrease impulsive behavior by getting the child to recognize the connection between thoughts and behavior, and to change behavior by changing negative thinking patterns.

The therapist and patient engage in role-playing exercises in which the therapist acts out appropriate behaviors or responses to situations.