Numerous studies over the past several decades provide impressive evidence of the effectiveness of CBT as a relatively brief approach to counseling.  Studies of CBT have demonstrated its usefulness in treating a wide variety of difficulties:

Depression

Anxiety and Worry

Lack of Self-Confidence

Anger Management or Difficulty Expressing Anger

Relationship Difficulties

How does CBT work?

CBT is based on the theory that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things like people, situations and events.  The benefit of this perspective is that you can learn to identify and change these maladaptive patterns of thinking (e.g. catastrophizing, negative filtering, disounting positives).  As a result, you feel better, your level of functioning improves, and you have more control over your behaviors.

If you are interested in understanding more about CBT and how to use it yourself, I highly recommend the text:

Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice (2002) - Firestone, Firestone, Catlett & Love