This study investigates the specific cognitive mechanisms affected by different components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The authors use a combination of well-validated behavioral measures and computational models to test the effects of brief interventions derived from behavioral activation therapy and cognitive therapy on various cognitive processes. The goal-setting intervention, based on behavioral activation therapy, reduced sensitivity to effort when deciding how to act to gain reward, while the cognitive restructuring intervention, based on cognitive therapy, reduced the tendency to attribute negative events to self-related causes. The effects of these interventions were specific to their respective measures. The study also explores the relationship between individual differences in symptom profiles and the magnitude of intervention effects, finding some evidence that higher levels of behavioral amotivation may relate to greater responses to goal-setting interventions but lesser responses to cognitive restructuring interventions. The findings provide insights into how different elements of CBT may work and lay the groundwork for more personalized treatment approaches.This study investigates the specific cognitive mechanisms affected by different components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The authors use a combination of well-validated behavioral measures and computational models to test the effects of brief interventions derived from behavioral activation therapy and cognitive therapy on various cognitive processes. The goal-setting intervention, based on behavioral activation therapy, reduced sensitivity to effort when deciding how to act to gain reward, while the cognitive restructuring intervention, based on cognitive therapy, reduced the tendency to attribute negative events to self-related causes. The effects of these interventions were specific to their respective measures. The study also explores the relationship between individual differences in symptom profiles and the magnitude of intervention effects, finding some evidence that higher levels of behavioral amotivation may relate to greater responses to goal-setting interventions but lesser responses to cognitive restructuring interventions. The findings provide insights into how different elements of CBT may work and lay the groundwork for more personalized treatment approaches.