Q. I have been having some mental and behavioral problems and the doctor suggested “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.” What in the world is that and how could it possibly help me?

The term Cognitive refers to the brain’s conscious, intellectual activity—thinking, reasoning, or remembering. The word Cognition refers to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. The American Psychological Association points out that cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines the techniques of both cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. Treatment is aimed at identifying and modifying a client’s maladaptive thought processes and problematic behaviors. Maladaptive means a person’s thought processes and problematic behaviors are counterproductive or interfering with desirable everyday living.