What is “Behavioural Therapy”?
Demystifying Therapy Series
Part 1
It can be challenging to sift through the jargon on a therapist’s profile and website and figure out what sounds like it might be a good fit for you – especially when you are new to therapy!
In this series, I will break down some of the most common approaches you may see on therapist profiles and websites, to help you navigate the waters of choosing a therapist that is right for you.
One very common approach, and one that has been around for a long time, is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is just one approach under the umbrella of “behavioural therapy”? So, what does that mean?
Behavioral therapy focuses on practical strategies for individuals to address their challenges, with an emphasis on identifying and transforming specific behaviours and thought patterns.
Here's how it works:
Identifying Behaviors: Therapists work with individuals to identify specific behaviors that contribute to their distress or difficulties.
Changing Behaviors: Through targeted interventions such as reinforcement or modeling, therapists help individuals adopt healthier behaviors and responses to their environment.
Challenging Thoughts: Behavioral therapy also involves challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that can perpetuate unhelpful behaviors, promoting more adaptive thinking.
Behavioural therapy often includes specific exercises that can be done in session or at home between sessions. If you like worksheets and visuals, and exercises to work on between sessions, a behavioural approach may be a good fit for you!
Let's explore three forms of behavioral therapy (though there are more!):
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. For example, someone with depression might learn to challenge the belief that they are worthless by examining evidence to the contrary and developing more balanced thoughts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT encourages individuals to accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values. For instance, someone struggling with anxiety might learn to acknowledge their anxious thoughts without letting them dictate their actions, focusing instead on pursuing meaningful activities.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT combines behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. For instance, someone struggling with managing their emotions might learn distress tolerance skills to cope with overwhelming feelings without resorting to harmful behaviors.
At Modern Resilience Therapy, we draw from behavioural approaches (particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) when it seems like a good fit for our clients. You can learn more about our approach here.
Reach out for a free consultation – we would love to connect with you and chat about how we can help!