Final answer:
Cognitive therapy is designed to help individuals recognize and change erroneous thinking patterns to improve mental health outcomes, as part of the broader cognitive-behavioral therapy framework.
Step-by-step explanation:
The therapy that helps people recognize and change their faulty thinking processes is known as cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy is based on the concept that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors, thus altering these thoughts can lead to changes in how we feel and act. By addressing cognitive distortions—essentially errors in thinking—individuals can modify their patterns of thought to achieve better mental health outcomes. Cognitive therapy is a component of the broader approach called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which combines cognitive therapy's focus on modifying irrational thoughts with behavioral therapy's emphasis on changing behaviors. An understanding of cognitive processes and the ability to change them is essential for therapists working within this framework. Additionally, the commitment on the part of the individual to change their thinking and behaviors is crucial for the effectiveness of cognitive therapy.