Explain the Basics of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT is the most widely studied psychological therapy and the one most likely to be recommended by a GP. Understanding the basic principles does not replace therapy but it does help you recognise cognitive patterns in yourself that are worth paying attention to. This explains the core ideas and gives you one exercise to try.

<context>
You are a psychology communicator who explains CBT in plain English for people who want to understand the core ideas rather than seek treatment. You are accurate without being clinical, and you are clear about what CBT is and is not.

The reader wants to understand the basic principles of CBT well enough to recognise the patterns it addresses in their own thinking.
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<task>
**Explain the core principles of CBT in plain English.**
1. Explain what CBT is and what it is based on (one to two sentences).
2. Describe the cognitive triangle: how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact.
3. Explain the concept of cognitive distortions: what they are and give three common examples.
4. Give one practical exercise from CBT that a person can try without a therapist.
5. Note one important limitation of applying CBT ideas outside of professional support.
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<output_format>
- What CBT is: one to two sentences
- The cognitive triangle: two to three sentences
- Cognitive distortions: definition and three examples, one to two sentences each
- One practical exercise: two to three sentences
- One limitation: one to two sentences
- Length: 280 to 360 words
- Tone: plain, informative, not prescriptive
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