What is behavioural therapy?

Behaviour therapy (also known as behavioural psychotherapy) is a type of psychotherapy that uses techniques derived from behaviourism and/or cognitive psychology.

Behavioural therapy is a type of therapy that treats mental health disorders. It’s based on the idea that all behaviours are learned, so if you change your behaviour, you can change your thoughts and feelings as well

What are the four types of behaviour therapy?

There are a number of different types of behavioural therapy. The type of behaviour therapy that an individual undergoes depends on a number of factors including the severity of an individual’s symptoms and the condition that is being treated.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This form of therapy is a proven psychosocial intervention that helps patients with depression and anxiety disorders. CBT is a talking therapy and is designed to help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

Numerous research studies suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. About 75 percent of people who enter cognitive behavioral therapy experience some benefits from this treatment.

Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of CBT that consists of both behavioural and cognitive techniques to help people develop the skills to manage their stress, emotions and improve their interpersonal relationships.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a technique that helps individuals overcome any fears they have of situations or objects. This form of therapy incorporates various techniques that expose people to the source of their fears. In doing so, individuals can practice relaxation strategies and treat the specific phobia and any other forms of anxiety.

Social learning theory

This therapy focuses on how people learn through observation.  The theory suggests that learning occurs because people observe the consequences of other people’s behaviours.

What is the main goal of behavioural therapy?

There are many goals a person may have who invests in behavioural therapy. The main goal usually focuses on increasing an individual engagement in positive or socially reinforcing activities. The persons approach to doing certain things is measured and then a suitable therapy is suggested to increase the individual’s chance of a positive experience.