The science behind Coolmind
A Coolmind session follows the ABCD model of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) — one of the founding branches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These are among the most researched methods in psychotherapy. Below are the key peer-reviewed studies.
The efficacy of CBT: a review of meta-analyses
An umbrella review of 106 meta-analyses: CBT shows efficacy across a wide range of conditions, with the strongest evidence for anxiety disorders and depression.
Hofmann et al. · Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2012 ↗
Depression409 randomized trials, 52,702 patients
The largest meta-analysis of any psychotherapy ever conducted: CBT consistently outperforms control conditions for depression, with effects lasting 6–12 months and beyond.
Cuijpers et al. · World Psychiatry, 2023 ↗
AnxietyCBT vs. placebo across anxiety disorders
A meta-analysis of 41 placebo-controlled trials: moderate-to-strong effects on target symptoms (g = 0.56), and the odds of responding to CBT were almost three times higher than placebo.
Carpenter et al. · Depression and Anxiety, 2018 ↗
REBT — our method50 years of REBT: 84 studies
REBT outperforms comparison interventions (d = 0.58) and directly reduces irrational beliefs (d = 0.70) — the exact mechanism a Coolmind session is built around: finding and disputing the belief behind the emotion.
David et al. · Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2018 ↗
Self-guided digital CBTInternet-based CBT works — even fully self-guided
Individual data from 9,751 participants across 39 randomized trials: internet-based CBT is more effective than control conditions for depression, both with human guidance and fully self-guided, short- and long-term.
Karyotaki et al. · JAMA Psychiatry, 2021 ↗
An honest note
Coolmind is an evidence-based self-help format — not a replacement for psychotherapy or medical care. If you are going through severe distress, please reach out to a professional.