Here is an example of cognitive-behavioral therapy: Suppose you were involved in a car accident last year that left you hospitalized for three months. Now you get panic attacks whenever you drive your car and have to wait for your partner to drive to avoid flashbacks.
You share this experience with the therapist, and they start reasoning with you on ways of overcoming the fear. The therapist agrees that fear is a normal reaction to trauma but that you shouldn't let it take control of your life. The therapist quotes statistics showing that accidents are rare in your town to demonstrate that your fear is irrational.
The therapist teaches you how to practice positive thinking when driving. They also remind you that you are a fully qualified driver and that you were not responsible for the accident. You soon learn how to overcome the fear through positive self-talk.