CBT looks at the cycle of how the way you feel affects the kinds of thoughts you have, and how the thoughts you have can affect your feelings and behaviours.
Some behaviours that seem to be helping, such as rituals, habits and drugs are often playing a part in keeping certain feelings and behaviours active.
CBT offers ways to help control or eliminate behaviours that are unhelpful by looking closely at the thoughts and beliefs that bring about those behaviours.
See Also: Other Methods of Therapy