How Behavioral Therapy Works

Behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that uses specific techniques to change problematic behaviors. It is based on the belief that behaviors are learned, and therefore, can be changed. Behavioral therapy is often used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and eating disorders.

Types of Behavioral Therapy

There are many different types of behavioral therapy, but some of the most common include:

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA): ABA is a type of behavioral therapy that uses principles of operant conditioning to change behaviors. Operant conditioning is a type of learning that occurs when a behavior is followed by a consequence. For example, if a child throws a tantrum and receives attention from their parents, they are likely to throw tantrums again in the future because they have learned that tantrums are a way to get attention. ABA uses positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, to increase desired behaviors and negative reinforcement, such as time-outs or removal of privileges, to decrease unwanted behaviors.
• Cognitive-behavior therapy ( CBT): CBT is a type of behavioral therapy that combines behavioral techniques with cognitive techniques, such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts. CBT is based on the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. For example, if we have negative thoughts about ourselves, we are likely to feel depressed and act in ways that are self-destructive. CBT teaches people how to identify and challenge negative thoughts, and to replace them with more positive thoughts.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of behavioral therapy that is specifically designed for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT teaches people skills for managing their emotions, regulating their behavior, and improving their relationships. DBT is based on the belief that people with BPD have difficulty regulating their emotions because they have a heightened sensitivity to rejection and abandonment. DBT teaches people skills for coping with these emotions and for building healthy relationships.
• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that is used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing people to the things they fear or avoid. For example, someone with a phobia of spiders might start by looking at pictures of spiders, then moving on to holding a spider in their hand. Exposure therapy helps people to get used to the things they fear and to learn that they are not as dangerous as they seem.
• Social skills training: Social skills training is a type of behavioral therapy that is used to teach people how to interact with others in a positive and effective way. Social skills training teaches people skills such as how to start and maintain conversations, how to express their emotions appropriately, and how to resolve conflict. Social skills training is often used to treat people with autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety disorder, and other social skills deficits.

Techniques Used in Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy uses a variety of techniques to change behaviors. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a technique that uses rewards to increase desired behaviors. For example, if a child helps with the dishes, they might receive a sticker or a small toy. Positive reinforcement can also be used to decrease unwanted behaviors. For example, if a child throws a tantrum, they might be sent to their room for a time-out.
• Negative reinforcement: Negative reinforcement is a technique that uses punishment to decrease unwanted behaviors. For example, if a child hits their sibling, they might be spanked or sent to their room. Negative reinforcement can also be used to increase desired behaviors. For example, if a child does their homework, they might be allowed to watch their favorite TV show.
• Extinction: Extinction is a technique that involves stopping the reinforcement of a behavior. For example, if a child throws a tantrum and receives attention from their parents, they are likely to throw tantrums again in the future because they have learned that tantrums are a way to get attention. Extinction involves stopping the attention that the child receives when they throw a tantrum. This will cause the child to eventually stop throwing tantrums because they are no longer being reinforced.
• Shaping: Shaping is a technique that involves gradually changing a behavior by reinforcing small steps in the desired direction. For example, if a child is afraid of dogs, a therapist might start by having the child look at a picture of a dog. Once the child is comfortable with this, the therapist might have the child look at a dog in a cage. Once the child is comfortable with this, the therapist might have the child pet a dog. By gradually shaping the child's behavior, the therapist can help the child to overcome their fear of dogs.

Applications of Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Phobias
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse disorders
• ADHD
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Relationship problems
• Work-related problems
• School-related problems

Benefits of Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy has a number of benefits, including:

• It is evidence-based: Behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions.
• It is cost-effective: Behavioral therapy is often more affordable than other types of therapy, such as psychotherapy.
• It is time-limited: Behavioral therapy is often a short-term treatment, with most people seeing results within a few months.
• It is widely available: Behavioral therapists can be found in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, and clinics.

Considerations

Behavioral therapy is not always the best option for everyone. Some people may not be comfortable with the techniques used in behavioral therapy, or they may not be able to commit to the time and effort required for treatment. Behavioral therapy may also not be effective for people with severe mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

If you are considering seeking treatment for a mental health condition, talk to your doctor or therapist about whether behavioral therapy is right for you.

Getting Started with Behavioral Therapy

If you are interested in starting behavioral therapy, there are a few things you can do:

• Talk to your doctor or therapist. They can help you to determine if behavioral therapy is the right treatment for you.
• Find a qualified behavioral therapist. You can ask your doctor or therapist for recommendations, or you can search for a therapist online.
• Set realistic goals. Talk to your therapist about what you hope to achieve through therapy.
• Be patient. Behavioral therapy takes time and effort, but it can be a very effective treatment.