Which of the following statements describes the cognitive-behavioral orientation's approach to change?

• A. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
• B. Cognitive and Behavioral Counseling
• C. Client-Centered Counseling
• D. Existential Therapy

Answer: (B)

The cognitive-behavioral approach to change centers on altering thought patterns and the behaviors that follow. It treats emotional distress as linked to inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts and learned behaviors, so progress comes through identifying and challenging those thoughts, substituting more adaptive beliefs, and practicing new skills—often via homework and behavioral experiments. This is captured by cognitive and behavioral counseling, which describes the integrated focus on thinking and action. The other options represent either a specific CBT method or entirely different orientations: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is a particular technique within CBT; Client-Centered Counseling emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and client self-direction; Existential Therapy focuses on meaning and authentic choice rather than cognitive-behavioral change.