Mental Health Treatment: Benefits Of Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a broad term describing forms of mental healthcare focused on behavioral patterns and how these patterns can connect with emotions and thoughts. Behavioral therapists often follow behavior theory principles, which posit that behavior is learned and can be changed. Behavior therapy uses the principles of operant conditioning and classical conditioning to help clients change habits, manage symptoms, and feel in control of their behavior. Understanding behavioral therapy and its benefits can help you decide if this form of therapy suits your goals.
What can behavioral therapy treat?
- Undesired behaviors
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Anxiety disorders
- Paranoia
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Self-harm habits
- Phobias
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
If you are experiencing any mental health concerns and think behavioral therapy might benefit you, consider contacting a therapist for a consultation to discuss your treatment goals. There are hundreds of therapeutic modalities from which to choose, and a therapist may recommend another option if behavioral therapy isn't the most effective for your concern.
Types and benefits of behavioral therapy
There are several popular forms of behavioral therapy, and combinations of treatments can be used.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular forms of mental health treatment in the US. It combines behavioral and cognitive theories, showcasing how an individual's mental processes, such as negative thoughts and beliefs, can impact their behavioral patterns and habits. CBT posits that clients can change their thoughts to improve emotional functioning, behaviors, relationships, feelings, and mood.
By being problem-focused and allowing clients to set achievable goals and take responsibility for healing, CBT can effectively treat several common mental health concerns, such as depression,social anxiety and more.
CBT is a proven, reliable treatment that can lessen unwanted behaviors, reinforce desirable behaviors, and increase low self-esteem. Behavioral therapists working with CBT may ask clients to focus on present rather than past problems. Techniques like mindfulness can support this process by allowing clients to develop sensory awareness and grounding techniques they can use when stressed. Worksheets, tracking diaries, and journals are often used in CBT to help clients progress toward their goals.
Behavioral activation therapy (BA)
Behavioral activation (BA) therapy is a treatment for depression that aims to target behaviors that might maintain or worsen depressive symptom severity. The behavioral activation therapy model proposes that events that may lead to individuals experiencing low amounts of positive reinforcement from their environment can happen in life. In response, individuals may experience more negative behaviors and unwanted emotions.
To treat these challenges, behavioral activation showcases how one's behaviors can worsen symptoms of a mental health condition like depression. For example, isolating from social circles can feel most comfortable when symptoms of depression are occurring. However, isolation may increase emotional distress in the long term, as social connection is essential to mental well-being.
The behavioral psychotherapy technique proposes an "outside-in" approach. It delivers behavior therapy activities to increase clients' chances of positive reinforcement and connection. Further, BA targets "avoidance" reactions and behaviors. Avoiding behaviors such as excessive sleep or refusing to discuss emotions are addressed with BA therapy techniques to help individuals learn new ways of reacting to symptoms.
Exposure therapy (ERP)
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a cognitive-behavioral technique that involves exposure and desensitization to what an individual fears, whether that is an activity, thought, place, object, living being, compulsion, or situation. Research indicates that exposure therapy can reduce symptoms related to anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy is an intensive form of cognitive behavioral therapy in which clients learn to handle intense emotional reactions that may interfere with relationships or daily life. In DBT, clients learn skills to increase interpersonal effectiveness, improve emotional control, increase tolerance to distress, and develop mindfulness.
Cognitive behavioral play therapy
Cognitive-behavioral play therapy is commonly and effectively used with children experiencing behavioral challenges. When a behavior therapist observes a child's play, they may receive insight into how that child perceives their environment, themselves, and their relationships. For example, behavior therapists can learn what topics a child is uncomfortable with or incapable of expressing through observing the conversations they play out with two dolls. The therapist can also play with the child to understand their interpersonal relationships at home, as children often mimic what they see from their parents.
Allowing children to play may enable them to feel safe and comfortable during therapy sessions. They're often free to choose their toys and play at will, enabling behavior therapists to see the world from their eyes. After sessions with a child, the therapist may help the child's parents understand the themes coming up in sessions and how to address these at home. This process may enable parents to implement tactics for better attachment and communication with their children.
One example that a clinical child psychologist may suggest is implementing token economies in your household. Through this process, parents can reward behaviors that are wanted. Perhaps you decide to institute a chore wheel, and when your child completes their chores, they will be allowed more free time. They can then decide what to spend that free time doing. Rewards can reinforce desirable behaviors and teach children responsibility for their actions.
Systematic desensitization treatment
Systematic desensitization is another form of behavioral therapy based on the history and principles of classical conditioning. This behavior therapy type aims to remove a client's fear response to a phobia. In substitution of fear, calm or relaxed responses to a conditional stimulus gradually develop through counter-conditioning. Desensitization is similar to exposure therapy. However, it may involve more structure and gradual tapering in the severity of the exposure.
Three typical phases of this type of treatment include the following:
Physical relaxation techniques
Deep muscle relaxation techniques and breathing exercises are taught.
Fear hierarchy diagram
The client and therapist create a chart or diagram of all fears, starting with the lesser fears and ending with the most fear-provoking phobia or concern.
Desensitization
Clients work upward through their fear hierarchy, beginning with the fear that produces the least amount of anxiety. By working their way up to the stimulus that provokes the most fear, clients may desensitize themselves to it.
How effective is behavioral therapy as a treatment method?
Different types of behavior therapy are thought to combat symptoms in various mental health conditions successfully. However, it may not be effective for everyone. There are many other types of therapies to try if you don't connect with the principles of any kind of behavioral treatment.
CBT is one of the most effective methods for common mental illnesses, symptoms, stress, and life challenges. However, the success of behavior therapy often depends on both the therapist and the client. Willingness to try new behavioral patterns, open your mind, and consider your role in treatment can be beneficial. Attending sessions consistently is also a core requirement of behavioral therapy.
What mental health conditions or disorders can cognitive behavioral therapy treat?
Behavior therapy techniques address many disorders but may be most effective in treating:
- Depression
- Substance use disorders
- Paranoia
- Extreme phobias
- Anger issues
- Eating disorders
- Stress
Seeking treatment from a behavior therapist may reduce, if not alleviate, symptoms such as negative thinking and problematic thought patterns or behaviors. Treatment success may depend on the behavioral therapies used, the therapist's ability, and the client's commitment.
Online cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions or disorders
There are many ways to find a behavioral therapist. You may be able to search for one online or check internet-based psychologist directories. You can also ask your primary care provider for a referral. However, if you face barriers to treatment, such as the cost of therapy or a lack of providers in your area, you can also partake in telehealth therapy.
Benefits of behavioral therapy through online platforms
If you're unsure about the effectiveness of online behavioral therapy, several studies have been done to showcase its impact. The effectiveness of internet-based CBT was studied in over 1,000 different published research initiatives between 2000 and 2012, showcasing results similar to those of in-person interventions. Research continues to provide empirical support that this method is especially effective in treating some of the most common mental illnesses, like anxiety and depression.
If you think behavioral therapy might work for you, you can find many therapists who utilize behavioral therapy techniques through a platform like BetterHelp. Even if you struggle to afford psychotherapy without health insurance, online therapy can be more affordable than traditional therapy, often saving clients hundreds of dollars monthly.
Takeaway
Finding the right behavioral therapist and the proper behavioral techniques to address your behaviors can lead to symptom management and self-confidence. Take the first step by reaching out to a behavioral therapist for guidance and support.
What are the benefits of behavioral therapy?
Behavioral therapy, such as exposure therapy and CBT, has several benefits for relationships and mental health concerns. Some of these benefits include but are not limited to:
- treating anxiety disorders, specific fears, substance use disorder (formerly called substance abuse), borderline personality disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other mental illness
- Identifying negative thought patterns or maladaptive behaviors and replacing them with realistic thoughts and positive behaviors
- improving communication skills and setting boundaries essential for positive relationships
- helping individuals manage emotions
- developing new coping skills or coping strategies that may help clients improve their well-being
- helping clients improve relationships
- building self-confidence and self-esteem
What is the main goal of behavior therapy?
Behavior therapy or behavioral counseling intends to replace negative behaviors with healthy, positive behaviors. It utilizes several specific techniques to modify behavior. Cognitive restructuring is one technique that aids in identifying and replacing negative thought patterns that contribute to a person’s negative emotions with realistic thoughts and new behaviors.
How do behavioral therapies help patients?
Behavioral counseling helps in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to negative emotions and stress. Mental health professionals use individualized techniques or approaches to modify negative thoughts and encourage positive behaviors. Behavioral counseling can be a supportive environment where clients can make positive changes and learn healthy coping strategies to handle negative emotions or challenges.
What are the cons of behavioral therapy?
Patients of behavioral therapy, specifically exposure therapy, may experience heightened distress during exposure sessions. Time commitment can be a barrier to implementing DBT. CBT techniques, such as behavioral experiments, require commitment from clients to work effectively. This level of active participation may be challenging for a client with low motivation.
What happens during behavioral therapy?
Behavioral counseling helps individuals acquire new coping strategies and overcome difficult emotions. It may also be helpful in improving communication skills and social skills. During behavioral counseling, mental health professionals focus on helping the clients understand and replace their negative thoughts and behaviors by using techniques and approaches.
- Counselors or therapists gather information about the clients. These may include symptoms, medical history, and why they seek treatment. During the first session, therapists and clients also identify or negotiate goals related to the problem.
- Therapists help clients pinpoint the negative behaviors that contribute to the client’s problem.
- The therapists develop behavioral techniques that will assist in achieving therapeutic goals. For example, a therapist may use cognitive restructuring CBT for identifying negative thoughts and teaching clients to reframe any negative thought patterns that contribute to difficult emotions. Behavioral therapists may use other techniques, besides or in addition to cognitive restructuring, to help clients modify cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors.
- The therapists implement the therapeutic plan to modify negative behavioral and thought patterns. They do assessments and make changes in the treatment plan if needed.
When should you seek behavioral therapy?
Several signs may tell it’s time to seek behavioral counseling. Some of the signs may include:
- anxiety
- depression
- suicidal ideation
- changes in eating patterns
- mood changes
- sudden changes in behavior
- shows no signs of empathy
- exhibits aggression
- maladaptive behavior due to past trauma
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, when left untreated, may affect the person’s life and relationships. Seeking treatment through behavioral counseling or therapy can be one step to improving behavioral health. Mental health professionals can create an individualized treatment plan and use specialized techniques to address behavioral issues. They can also help the person learn coping strategies to handle life’s challenges in a healthy way.
What is an example of behavior therapy?
An example of behavioral therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT uses techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, that target identifying and restructuring negative thoughts to improve mental health. Besides CBT, other forms of behavioral counseling or therapy also help individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors to help them handle life’s challenges in a healthy way. Other therapies that help encourage positive behaviors are:
- Exposure therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Contingency management
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
How long does behavioral therapy take to work?
CBT treatments are usually short-term, lasting from 6-20 sessions. Some clients feel better and observe positive changes after a few sessions. Other clients may need longer treatments. Dialectical behavior therapy, another form of talk therapy that helps encourage positive behaviors and manage emotions, usually requires 6 months or more. Exposure therapy, wherein patients with fear-based disorders are treated through repeated exposure, usually takes 5 to 20 sessions.
Behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for various mental health conditions. It is worth mentioning that the length of behavioral therapies may vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the mental health condition and the client’s commitment and progress to the therapeutic process.
What is the success rate of behavioral therapy?
Behavioral therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is highly effective for mental health and stress-related disorders. A study shows that cognitive-restructuring techniques and exposure principles of trauma-focused CBT show effectiveness for post-traumatic stress disorder. CBT techniques may also be used to treat people with anxiety and low self-esteem.
Other types of behavioral therapy are also effective. Contingency management approach is highly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression for cocaine-dependent individuals under treatment.
Behavioral therapies can help target and modify maladaptive behavioral and thought patterns to improve the client's mental health. However, the success of therapies does not rely on therapy types alone. It also requires the cooperation and commitment of the patients.
What is the most common type of behavioral therapy?
The most common type of behavioral therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is a type of talk therapy that includes specific techniques that focus on letting the individuals identify and understand their negative thought patterns. Mental health professionals help clients replace negative thinking patterns with realistic thoughts, enabling them to manage emotions and behaviors in a healthy way.
The effectiveness of CBT in various mental health conditions during clinical trials and meta-analysis studies can be a factor in why it became a popular form of psychotherapy. It is found to be effective for anxiety disorders, chronic pain, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health concerns. CBT is also a viable option to treat phobias. Further, cognitive behavioral therapy may significantly improve relationships and social skills. It also boosts communication skills, essential in building more positive relationships.
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