This is the third step of cognitive behavioral therapy. In this step, the therapist and the patient will have interactive question-and-answer sessions, the patient will then be encouraged to pay attention to how they handle difficult situations. To identify the reason for the patient's troubles, the therapist and the patient will work together to identify unhealthy emotions, behaviors, or thoughts. Patients may also be requested to maintain a journal of their responses to troubling situations by their therapist.