Behavioral therapy is a term that describes a broad range of techniques used to change maladaptive behaviors.
The goal is to reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones.
Because of this, behavioral therapy tends to be highly focused.
KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images
Types of Behavioral Therapy
There are a number of different types of behavioral therapy.
What Are Behavioral Therapy Techniques?
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioninginvolves forming associations between stimuli.
Previously neutral stimuli are paired with a stimulus that naturally and automatically evokes a response.
Classical conditioning is one way to alter behavior.
Several different techniques and strategies are used in this approach to therapy.
Behavioral therapy techniques usereinforcement,punishment, shaping, modeling, and related techniques to alter behavior.
These methods have the benefit of being highly focused, which means they can produce fast and effective results.
Treatments that incorporate behavioral techniques are usually focused on producing results in a relatively short period of time.
It also doesn’t mean that behavior therapy is the right choice for every situation.
Things to Consider
Behavioral therapy has a number of advantages.
However, behavioral approaches are not always the best solution.
Find out which option is the best for you.
2016;45(1):39-48. doi:10.1007/s10615-016-0590-5
Spiegler MD.Contemporary Behavior Therapy.Cengage Learning; 2016.
The Guilford Press; 2016.
Mazza M, ed.PLoS ONE.
2017;12(5):e0176849.
2013;20(4):419-428. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2012.06.002