What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)? CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on one's thoughts and behaviors as the central instruments for change. It teaches people how to gradually modify their own thoughts and behaviors and shows them how these changes may not only relieve their disfunctional feelings but also effect changes in the outside world. CBT is typically: short-term practical and concrete centered on the here and now goal oriented collaborative scientifically based go to NYC website