Taking as its base the idea that undesirable behavior can be unlearned or changed, BT is a psychotherapy that engages the client in identifying objectionable, maladaptive behaviors and replacing them with healthier actions. BT is also known as Behavior Modification Therapy. While Cognitive Behavior Therapy focuses on discovering and eliminating thoughts and emotions that lead to unhealthy behavior, BT solely aims to change the behaviors themselves. (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a strategy that marries the two therapies.)

BT is often used to address such conditions as depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, several addictions. insomnia, chronic fatigue, anxiety disorders and phobias. BT usually begins with the therapist analyzing the harmful behaviors in a client and then deciding which method most appropriately addresses them.

Treatment techniques include assertiveness training, systematic desensitization, environment modification, relaxation, exposure and response, positive reinforcement, modeling/observational learning, contingency management, habit reversal training, flooding, operant conditiong, covert conditioning and social skills.

In terms of trauma, BT can address the idiosyncratic or addictive behaviors although it does not address the underlying cause of those behaviors.

 

(Photo: Psychoanalytik)

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  • What Can Therapy Do For Me?
  • Talk therapy
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Information processing therapy
  • Hypnosis
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming
  • Self-Empowered Therapy
  • Group Therapy