Natasha believed that not earning straight A's in her college classes proved she was incapable. Her therapist gently disputed this by saying, "According to your logic, more than 90% of college students would be considered incompetent!" This kind of reply best represents the approach of a(n) ______ therapist.

Explanation

The therapist’s response highlights a challenge to Natasha’s distorted thinking pattern, which is characteristic of cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapists focus on identifying and altering faulty beliefs and thought processes. By pointing out the illogical conclusion in her thinking, the therapist is encouraging Natasha to reconsider her negative self-evaluation.