Behavior therapy: comprehensive review and applications

Behavior Therapy

Over the last several years, behavioral therapy has become a discipline many mental health professionals are embracing. However, like numerous schools of thought there are disputes about its effectiveness in changing the way someone reacts to different events. To fully understand the impact requires examining the ideas of the founders, the motivational constructs, the nature of maladjustment, the goals of counseling therapy and the techniques which are utilized. Together, these elements will highlight the long-term effects and how this will influence an individual's behavior. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Founder(s) of the theory

The primary founders of behavior therapy include: Edward Thorndike, Joseph Wolpe and BF Skinner. Edward Thorndike is the original pioneer. In 1911, he concluded that an individual's behavior could be modified. Joseph Wolpe examined different types of therapy and their impact on patients. While BF Skinner, concentrated on using conditioning to influence the way some reacts to various stimuli. Each one of these men helped to establish the idea, that changing an individual's thoughts will transform their behavior. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Nature of the person including innate capacities and/or capabilities, if any, and motivational constructs according to the theory.

The various founders wanted to identify ways of altering how someone reacts to stimuli. This is designed to assist them in addressing different kinds of mental and emotional challenges in their lives. It is at this point, when their innate capacities and capabilities are able to better understand those techniques that are most effective in achieving these objectives. The basic motivational construct is to encourage the person to want to change their behavior and thoughts in the process. This will enable them to feel sense of control over what is happening to them. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Nature of maladjustment (how do people develop mental illness) according to the theory.

According to the theory, most people will develop mental illness based upon their environment, thoughts and feelings. These factors create a world where they will react negatively to actual events and their interpretation of them. Over the course of time, this will cause the person to tell themselves disempowering beliefs. It is at this point when they could become delusional or go into periods of depression. Behaviorists believe that if the thought patterns and environment can be changed. Then, the individual will start to have positive feelings and live a more fulfilling life. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Goals of counseling therapy according to the theory.

In counseling therapy, the primary objectives are to help the person understand where disempowering thoughts are coming from. Then, disrupt them and introduce new techniques to help the patient look at the situation differently. This enables them to change their feelings, reactions and what they learned from the incident. It is at this point, when they will exhibit behavior that is more supportive of themselves and those around them. These are the larger goals of counseling. However, in order to achieve these objectives requires meeting certain milestones. They will demonstrate how the person is changing and introduce techniques to make their lives better. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Role and activity of the counselor, including: a major techniques used in the therapy b. diagnosis and appraisal devices c. evaluation of client progress in therapy