Name a technique used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage stress.

Cognitive restructuring is a fundamental technique used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage stress. This technique involves identifying and challenging negative or distorted thought patterns that contribute to stress. By reshaping these thoughts, individuals can alter their emotional responses and behaviors related to stress-inducing situations.

For example, if a person feels overwhelmed by an upcoming presentation, they might have thoughts like "I'm going to embarrass myself" or "I can't handle this." Through cognitive restructuring, they would learn to recognize these thoughts as irrational and replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives, such as "I have prepared well for this" or "It's okay to make mistakes; I can learn from them." This shift not only decreases stress but also empowers individuals to face challenging situations with a healthier mindset.

In contrast, other techniques mentioned, such as exposure therapy, primarily focus on gradually confronting fears rather than addressing cognitive distortions. Medication management involves pharmacological interventions, which, while potentially helpful for stress, are not a CBT technique. Biofeedback, though beneficial for stress management, involves physiological monitoring rather than cognitive strategies central to CBT. Thus, cognitive restructuring stands out as the specific technique rooted in CBT principles aimed directly at managing stress through thought modification.