Behavioral Therapy

What comes to mind, when you think of a therapists office? Perhaps, you are lying on a couch, while the therapists takes notes, between his rhetorical questions (”what do you think the problem is?”); or maybe you are sitting in a white room while you study ink blot tests; well the days of stereotypical therapy are over. The advancement psychology and therapy have made over the past few generations have been incredible. Therapy, has not only made progressive movements in the psychological stand point, but the variations within therapeutic advancements, have enabled patients to recover in all different fashion.

Behavioral therapy uses learning principles to reduce the external distractions, in order to properly focus on the main issues. The method of behavioral therapy, eliminates Freud theory of the unconscious, and establish a perspective of events people can tangibly witness. During this practice, the individual is taught to replace his current fears for future goals (i.e. fear of heights for a goal to overcome that fear). The term behavioral therapy, actually encompasses several different styles of behavioral therapies, ranging from Exposure Therapy to Biofeedback.

1. Biofeedback: An individual has their heart rate or muscle tension monitored through a small machine. This function allows the patient to see the difference in his physical nature, during anger, humiliation, or depression. This information will teach the patients body how to properly react during times of stress.

2. Modeling: This simplistic perspective at recovery has been sweeping the psychological field. The patient will observe another individual performing their desired behavior. Once, the patient understands the simplicity behind his goal, it is intended to inspire their dedication to recovery.

3. Behavioral Activation: When an individual is currently suffering from depression, this is one of the most common forms of therapy. This practice of therapy encourages the patient to establish a list of goals, which would make their life more satisfying. The therapist will then advise the patient, to begin with the easiest and progress after each completion. This form of therapy not only displays responsibility, but a deep sense of independence.

4. Contingency Management: This controversial form of therapy attempts to purely ignore the negative and influence the positive.

5. Exposure Therapy: As opposed to the contingency management, exposure therapy, patients are encouraged to expose their traumatic experiences. This sort of therapy allows an individual to establish closure and peace to past events.