Cognitive behavioral therapy is a leading psychotherapy that recognizes that a person's perception of the world, and themselves can radically alter their life's trajectory.

The principle tenant of the cognitive aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that irrational thinking is leading to poor emotional attenuation, which is then causing negative behaviors and decisions.  A good therapist will help the patient to figure out what irrational thoughts and beliefs have taken hold, and help the patient to come to a more rational and truthful way of thinking.

The behavioral aspect considers the relationships between causes and effects, and enables the patient to understand the dynamic relationship between the two.  For instance, if every time you yell at your spouse that he or she doesn't care about your feelings, and your spouse becomes upset as a result, you may have noticed that your spouse gets upset at an increasing rate while you don't necessarily have to come as close to the violation.  You are inadvertently behaviorally training your spouse to associate any argument with negative emotions, and you may notice that fighting becomes quicker and more fierce.

A professional counselor will help you to put all this together in a meaningful way that can have a positive impact on your life.