Final answer:
The main aim of cognitive restructuring in CBT is to challenge and alter dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs, focusing on present thinking rather than the psychoanalytic focus on the unconscious mind and early experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary goal of cognitive restructuring in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is b) To challenge and modify dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs. Cognitive restructuring aims to help individuals identify and question the automatic, often negative, thoughts that can influence emotions and behaviors, which may contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Unlike the psychoanalytic approach by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences, CBT focuses on the present thinking patterns and beliefs. By adjusting these patterns, individuals can change their emotional responses and behavior, leading to improved mental health.