Behavior therapy is a type of therapy that was created based on behaviorism. Behaviorism is a reasonably rigorous theory that considers human behavior as a chain of interrelated behavioral responses formed to certain stimuli (Corsini & Wedding, 2010). The concepts of reinforcement and punishment are fundamental to this theory since people develop behavior based on their responses to their actions. The disadvantage of behaviorism is that it simplifies complex mental processes, feelings, and interests into a simple causal relationship between actions and consequences. However, Behavior Therapy is a rapidly developing area; therefore, it has many branches beginning to intertwine with other non-behavioral therapeutic methods.
Modern behavior therapy is traditionally divided into three main areas, which differ in the central concepts and procedures used. Applied behavior analysis is the most rigid and strict follower of classical behaviorism and is strictly based on building and changing connections between an event and a consequence (Corsini & Wedding, 2010). Neobehaviorism is based on an extended stimulus-response model, which introduces intermediate factors that influence behavior formation, accelerating or slowing down its assimilation (Corsini & Wedding, 2010). Social-cognitive theory (SCT) includes the process of forming human behavior, stimulus-response, social experience, the influence of mass media, and the human environment (Corsini & Wedding, 2010). From classical behaviorism to current therapy, psychologists have become increasingly interested in the formation of desirable behavior and the comfort and psychological health of a person.
Behavioral therapy aims to correct the client’s unwanted behaviors or thoughts disrupting their life, thereby bringing about improvement. The unique feature of this therapy lies in the inclusion of the patient in the process of “training” new behavior. They must constantly do tasks and exercises at home and include introspection, identifying effective and ineffective methods (Corsini & Wedding, 2010). Client involvement and motivation are essential as the therapist work collaboratively and dynamically to generate new responses. The psychologist must be involved in the therapy process, not detached and entirely objective. Thus, for behavioral therapy, the patient must be sufficiently active, ready, and motivated to independently deal with the resolution of their problems under the guidance of a therapist.
In therapy sessions, the client and psychologist must first discuss the client’s concerns and identify specific unwanted behaviors. The therapist must then understand what stimuli are triggering the negative responses and visualize with the patient what the desired response would be. The guided image method allows a person to form an idea of a clear goal toward which they will go (Corsini & Wedding, 2010). Next, the patient is asked to observe their behavior and reactions to identify which stimulus needs to be adjusted. A therapist can offer a wide range of techniques to bring stimulus in or out of a situation. For example, suppose a client has an issue with emotional overeating. In that case, the psychologist may suggest calling friends, talking to parents, changing into a festive outfit, or putting on makeup before starting to eat from good or bad emotions. This will break the habitual stimulus-response and reduce the desire to overeat emotionally.
Behavior therapy has certain ethical concerns, which are leveled by the patient’s active involvement in changing their own behavior. I would be interested in using Behavior therapy as it gives quick results that are easy to evaluate. Moreover, this type of therapy is very creative and cooperative. The psychologist needs to look for new solutions and an individual approach with the client since the same stimuli can have completely different effects.
References
Corsini, R. J., & Wedding, D. (2010). Current psychotherapies. 9th edition. Cengage Learning.