ABSTRACT
When the new science of cognition and cognitive psychology was introduced into behavior therapy, attention shifted from modifying problematic behavior to altering distorted cognitions and uncovering how problematic reasoning led to dysfunctional behavior. In addition to helping clients to grasp how cognitions are developed, cognitive-behavioral art therapy (CBAT) therapists have clients identify and assess problematic thoughts. An assessment provides opportunities for identifying erroneous thoughts as well as for recognizing healthy ones. Cognitive restructuring is the process of identifying a flawed thought, analyzing it, and helping the client to reduce the emotional intensity of the cognitions to make them more adaptive and realistic. Feelings and emotions are linked with self-appraisals as well as appraisals of the environment. The purpose of CBAT is not only to identify and assess emotions, but also to help the client to make sense of their feelings.
