Final answer:
The key characteristic of cognitive therapy's therapeutic benefits is replacing dysfunctional thinking with functional thoughts, facilitated by critical reflection and metacognition to challenge cognitive biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers believe that the key characteristic that explains the therapeutic benefits of cognitive therapy is replacing dysfunctional thinking with more functional thoughts. This strategy, often integral to cognitive-behavioral therapy, involves mentally disputing irrational thinking and prompts individuals to critically reflect on their cognitive biases. By engaging in critical reflection and metacognition, a person is encouraged to assess facts, consider evidence, and employ logic, which counteracts those biases and fosters better habits of mind. Additionally, keeping a record of negative automatic thoughts and practicing decentering oneself from one's negative thoughts can be crucial for building the self-awareness essential for cognitive therapy.