An Overview of Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral Theory

Q1. Name and brief description of key figure (s)

Behavioral therapy is primarily associated with the figures of Ivan Palov and B.F. Skinner. In contrast to psychoanalytic therapy, which focuses on the internal, interior life of the client, behavioral therapy is focused upon externally directed, observable behavior. Skinner attempted to transform the evolving discipline of psychology into a true, observable science which could be tested with controllable variables. Behavioral therapy primarily can be characterized by three dominant approaches. First is classical conditioning, which was pioneered by Pavlov and involved conditioning a natural response to an object that otherwise would not bring forth that behavior (i.e., salivating at the sound of a dinner bell). Secondly, Skinner’s operant condition involved using a system of rewards and punishments to encourage highly specific behaviors. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used today to address issues spanning from depression to eating disorders by identifying nonproductive behaviors to replace them with more productive ones.

Q2. Key Points.

a. Classical conditioning involves creating an association between an unconditioned stimulus and a naturally occurring response.

b. Classical extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (for example, if a bell is constantly rung without the dog being presented with food, the dog will cease to salivate at the sound of a bell).

c. Operant conditioning involves shaping behaviors with a series of rewards and punishments. Reinforcement is best achieved initially with continuous reinforcement, which can then be switched to schedules of partial or intermittent reinforcement. As with classical conditioning, extinction is achieved through withdrawal of reinforcement.

d. Primary reinforcers in operant conditioning refer to stimuli which are naturally reinforcing, such as food. Secondary reinforcers refer to stimuli such as tokens, which may be used in behavioral conditioning such as when children are given tokens for behaving in a positive manner. In this token economy, the subjects can then exchange secondary reinforcers for primary reinforcers such as toys, when they have accumulated sufficient numbers. This can delay reinforcement and gratification, as part of the therapy.

e. Stimulus discrimination is when the subject can only perform the desired behavior when in specific situations (such as when a child only behaves correctly within the specific classroom where a reinforcement schedule was applied), while stimulus generalization occurs when the desired behavior is applied to generally (such as when a dog taught to shake hands at the command “shake paw,” begins to indiscriminately offer a paw in hopes of getting a treat, regardless of the command).

f. Behavioral contracts may be used, in other words, the client agrees to strive for target behaviors based upon an agreed-upon schedule of reinforcers.

Q3. View of the Person

Rather than emphasizing genetics, or untestable aspects of the human mind such as the ego, id, or superego, behavioral therapy view human beings in terms of present behaviors. Human behaviors are determined through learning, and maladaptive as well as positive behaviors alike are both learned. The goal is to eliminate maladaptive behaviors and to create contextual and environmental conditions to support positive ones. Thoughts and feelings are viewed as behaviors, and may change as the result of learning. Maladaptive behaviors are the result of aversive stimuli, but they can be unlearned.

Q4. Counseling Techniques

a. Classical conditioning emphasizes systematic desensitization techniques, and is designed to develop an association with an existing response and a new stimulus, such as feeling relaxed at the sight of the anxiety-provoking stimulus. Other classic conditioning techniques involve flooding with the unpleasant stimulus under conditions with no way to escape. Aversion therapy is creating an unpleasant association with a formerly pleasant stimulus (like creating the association of nausea with smoking).

b. Operant conditioning treats problematic behavior through reinforcement schedules of punishments and rewards. Punishments may be verbal reprimands, time-outs, or losses of secondary reinforcers such as tokens (response costs). Overcorrecting of negative behavior and promoting positive behavior may be used.

c. Shaping is a more refined operant technique which involves rewarding closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior over time; for example, a child being rewarded for overcoming a fear of riding a bicycle first for getting on the bike, then for riding a few minutes, and then for longer stretches, turning, or going faster. This technique is used for behaviors that rarely occur in nature.

Q5 Counseling relationship and brief description of counseling process

The counseling relationship in behavioral is viewed in terms of correcting the client, and the therapist is tasked with teaching the client new coping mechanisms and eliminating negative ones. The process usually begins with a behavioral assessment, followed by an identification of deficits and strengths, including an identification of behavioral targets and a determination of how to measure them. Behavioral reinforcers and goals are likewise established. As can be seen from this structure, the counselor is very much in the driver’s seat of the counseling process, and punishment as well as support and reward are structured within the assumptions of therapy.