If there’s one thing that we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the importance of our overall health, and that includes our mental health. As we work to break down the stigma surrounding our emotions, more Americans are understanding there’s no shame in talking to a licensed therapist. Behavior therapy has become quite common to help patients recognize the underlying causes of their stressors, and what may put them in circumstances that trigger certain behaviors.

What is behavior therapy?

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Behavior therapy is an umbrella term used for different types of therapy to treat mental health disorders. The goal of this therapy is to identify and help change potentially self-destructive behaviors. Behavior therapy functions on the idea that all behavior is learned and unhealthy habits can be corrected. The focus of this type of therapeutic treatment is to center on current problems and ways to change them.

This form of therapy has been recommended for people dealing with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and anger issues. It’s also been shown to offer interventions for people struggling with ADHD, certain phobias, and even autism spectrum disorder. These therapies can also be applied to people of any age to address any underlying behavioral concerns.

Types of Behavior Therapy

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If you find yourself looking up “behavioral therapy near me“, you may get insight into the various interventions and therapeutic treatment possibilities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is the most popular option with treatment centered around how someone’s thoughts and beliefs influence their actions and moods. The long-term goal is to change a person’s thinking and behavioral patterns to healthier ones. CBT is also done in a play version when counselors and social workers interact with children.

System desensitization therapy relies on classic conditioning. This is often used to treat phobias, replacing a fear response with relaxation responses. The first step is having a therapist instruct a patient on breathing techniques and when to put them to their best use. Aversion therapy is an option for treating patients dealing with substance abuse, teaching people to associate a stimulus for that unhealthy behavior with an unpleasant stimulus, leading to discomfort.

Applied Behavior Analysis

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To better understand human behavior, some social workers and therapists have elected to undertake a graduate degree in behavior analysis. Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the scientific study of the principles of learning and behavior. Behavioral analysis relies upon scientific knowledge to describe, predict, and change behaviors. This includes understanding strategies to support the needs and increase the level of independent functioning of individuals.

This certificate can allow for the diagnosis of developmental disabilities and cognitive impairment that has a direct impact on a patient’s mental health. An ABA program also advises on approaches that benefit people in the classroom and in the workplace, managing their behaviors and increasing productivity.

Benefits of Behavior Therapy

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There are plenty of benefits to talking to a licensed therapist or psychologist. Studies have found that patients have been immediately receptive to what they learn in a counseling session. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to aid those patients dealing with anxiety disorders and general stress. By taking care of general stress, you can curb a lot of other underlying issues that may be impacting your daily life.

Behavior therapy has also been shown to help those dealing with anger problems, as well as eating disorders like bulimia. The first step is getting in the office for counseling, or seeking telehealth services to address these emotions. Don’t hesitate to open up. There are more options available than ever before regardless of eligibility. You are not alone in dealing with these emotions.