Instead of merely identifying unconscious machinations, CBT patients are asked to address conscious thoughts and actions when they happen. It is a goal-oriented, real-world approach that calls for clear-cut objectives and well-defined tasks to minimize unhealthy coping mechanisms. CBT focuses on managing problematic behaviors first and saves understanding why they exist for later. “It’s a commonsense approach to psychology,” I reasoned, “perfectly suited for the sociopath.”
