All You Need To Know About Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral Therapy is a term used for describing a range of techniques used for changing negative, self-destructive, and unhealthy behavior.  Behavioral therapy can also be referred to as an umbrella for all types of therapy that treat mental health issues. This therapy was created on the idea that all behavior is learned and can be changed with the proper approach.

The major goal of behavioral therapy is to work on current issues so that they can be changed for a better future. Behavioral therapy is one of the rightest approaches for treating maladaptive behavior. In this blog, we will be discussing types of behavioral therapy, uses, techniques, benefits, and more.

Behavioral Therapy in a nutshell…

Behavioral Therapy is a term used for describing a range of techniques used for changing negative, self-destructive, and unhealthy behavior. 

Types of Behavioral Therapy

There are various types of behavioral therapy that are used and applied to the client based on factors, conditions, behavior, and severity of the symptoms. Below mentioned are the types of behavioral therapy:

1. Applied behavior analysis

This approach takes the support of operant conditioning for modifying negative and problematic behavior.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is used by applying various behavioral techniques and adding the cognitive element that works on solving negative thoughts and behavior.

3. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of CBT that works by utilizing cognitive and behavioral techniques. DBT basically helps in managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distress.

4. Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy takes the help of behavioral techniques for helping people overcome their phobias. Exposure therapy is all about exposing the clients to the sources of fear. This therapy also combines relaxation strategies for treating specific symptoms like anxiety.

5. Social learning theory

Social learning theory focuses on how clients learn through their reflection. This theory is effective in changing negative behavior and adapting positive behavior.

6. Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

REBT is centred on the identification of negative behavior and feelings so that clients can directly challenge those and replace them with more positive feelings and behavior.

7. Cognitive behavioral play therapy

This therapy is based on assessing, preventing, and treating psychosocial challenges. The therapist uses different approaches to make children learn positive behavior and thinking.

Uses of Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can be used for treating a broad range of mental health disorders and conditions like:

• Alcohol and substance use
• Anxiety
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Benefits of Behavioral Therapy

Since behavioral therapy works like an umbrella for a broad range of therapy, it has shown really beneficial and effective results in treating various mental health disorders and conditions.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the commonly used techniques and it is considered the “gold standard” for treating various disorders. CBT is also an affordable therapy option and the results are also effective.

Behavioral therapy like CBT is used for treating anxiety, anger issues, depression, bulimia, somatic symptom disorder, substance abuse, stress, relapse prevention, and more. Meanwhile, cognitive behavioral play therapy is used for children to teach them positive behavior.

Moreover, some of the common benefits of using behavioral therapy are:

• Effective communication
• Healthy and positive coping strategies
• Healthy thinking patterns
• Increased self-esteem

Effectiveness of Behavioral Therapy

The effectiveness and results of behavioral therapy totally depend on various factors like the type of disorder, treatment, severity, and more. Research shows that around 67% of people who tried behavioral therapy found improvement within 5-20 sessions.

I am not only talking about CBT but I am also focusing on other approaches which are really helpful in treating mental health issues. Mental health disorders and conditions like anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, phobias, and OCD can really be treated with the help of behavioral techniques and treatment strategies.

Moreover, I was not able to find the right approach for treating substance use disorder since it totally depends on the severity, amount misused, and more. Therefore, in some cases, substance use disorders might not show effective results after using CBT or other types of behavioral therapy.

Before opting for behavioral therapy as a treatment mode, you must consider:

• Behavioral therapy is not enough for treating complex mental health issues
• Behavioral therapy is not accountable for underlying problems
• Behavioral therapy sometimes may not be able to address the whole problems

Getting Help

If you are interested to seek behavioral therapy, here are some important things that you can do to seek behavioral therapy in the right way:

• Find a certified and experienced behavioral therapist
• Ask for recommendations from your physician
• Contact your health insurance company
• Actively participate and set goals

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I hope this blog helps you with all you need to know about behavioral therapy. For more such content, connect with us on all social media platforms.

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