Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reshapes Brain Structure

First-ever brain scans show how cognitive behavioral therapy grows brain matter in regions linked to emotion and mood.

Gray matter volume changes in the amygdala following cognitive behavioral therapy. Zwiky et al., Translational Psychiatry, 2025. CC BY 4.0.

For decades, scientists have wondered whether changing the way we think could actually reshape the brain. Now, a recent study offers compelling evidence, capturing the first images suggesting that psychotherapy, through mental effort alone, may lead to real structural changes in the brain.

For people living with depression, the research points to a deeper way that therapy may help—by rebuilding the brain itself.