Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

Which therapeutic technique focuses on changing unhelpful cognitive distortions to improve mood?

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

2. Art therapy

3. Family therapy

4. Play therapy

The correct answer is: Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that specifically targets and aims to modify unhelpful cognitive distortions. The foundation of CBT is based on the premise that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by changing negative thought patterns, a person's mood and emotional state can be improved. CBT uses various techniques to help individuals identify irrational or distorted thinking, challenge those thoughts, and replace them with more realistic and beneficial ones. In contrast, art therapy primarily utilizes creative processes to explore emotions and does not specifically target cognitive distortions. Family therapy focuses on improving communication and relationships within a family unit rather than addressing individual cognitive patterns. Play therapy is generally used with children to help them express feelings and resolve psychosocial challenges, but it is not directly aimed at altering cognitive distortions in the same manner as CBT.