Table 1 The general cognitive-behavioral therapy model

Aetiological theory	Techniques and strategies	Mechanism of action	Desired outcomes
Psychopathology is the result of faulty information processingDistorted and dysfunctional cognitions produce negative affective states and maladaptive behavioursEach disorder is characterised by different, but predictable patterns of information processing distortions	Active, goal-oriented, problem-solving approachTherapist and patient engage in “collaborative empiricism”Identify, evaluate, modify and replace distorted with more accurate and adaptive cognitionsBehavioural experiments used to test out distorted predictions and correct themOther “classic” behavioural techniques included as part of the treatment (eg, exposure to feared stimuli)	Correcting distorted cognitions produces improvements in affect and behaviour	Initial symptomatic improvementLater functional improvement