What Is Behavioral Therapy?

Questions About Treatment?

Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options. Your call is confidential with no obligation required.

CALL US NOW

What Does a Behavioral Therapist Do?

Behavioral therapists are licensed clinical therapists trained to treat various mental health disorders. Behavioral counseling is similar to traditional talk therapy in many ways. For example, the therapist will ask questions to understand the causes of negative behaviors and help guide clients to create more positive behavioral and thought patterns.

What Kinds of Conditions do Behavioral Therapists Treat?

One in five adults in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year, exemplifying the need for treatments that target various mental illnesses.¹

Behavioral therapy interventions can help treat a variety of conditions, including: 

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism 
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Emotional distress
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Social phobias
• Sub

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a form of behavior therapy often used to treat those struggling with autism. ABA treatment can help increase communication skills, improve attention and focus, and decrease problem behaviors by teaching clients how to apply skills learned during sessions to real-life situations. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and researched forms of treatment that can help improve symptoms of many disorders and conditions. CBT helps clients understand how their thoughts affect their behaviors, teaches how to manage thoughts and behaviors on their own, and creates more positive daily habits.

Compared to other therapy methods, a multitude of evidence and research has proven CBT to be an effective treatment, especially for anxiety, stress, anger control, somatoform disorders, and bulimia.²

Dialectical Behavior Therapy(DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a mindfulness-based form of behavioral psychotherapy. Principles used in DBT treatment can help treat stress and anxiety-related disorders and those who struggle with past trauma. 

One study found that DBT for people with suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder reduced suicide attempts by 50%, hospitalization for suicide ideation, and medical risk for suicide attempts and self-injurious acts.³

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) helps people recognize negative beliefs and thought patterns to overcome mental health concerns and emotional distress. REBT focuses on the ABC model, which stands for activating event, belief, and consequence. This model aims to identify situations that led to negative feelings and work to change that response to a more positive one.

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory is a behavioral therapy model that focuses on social skills, relationships, and interactions with others. The social learning approach to behavioral counseling helps clients improve their relationships with others, which in turn helps treat mental and emotional distress. 

Techniques Used in Behavioral Therapy

Therapists can use many behavioral therapy techniques during treatment. These will be detailed below.

Manage Mental Illness Symptoms

The behavioral treatment approach can help manage mental illness symptoms. Behavior therapy aims to create more positive behavior patterns to manage mental distress. Over time, this will improve symptoms and develop more feelings of positive mental well-being. 

Alternative to Medications

Behavioral psychotherapy can be an alternative to medications in some instances. At times, all that is needed to treat mental distress is guidance and support from a therapist. For those with more severe conditions, behavior therapy can also help in addition to medications and will provide additional treatment benefits.

Learn Coping Techniques

Coping techniques are important components of behavior therapy, which is a therapeutic approach focused on identifying and modifying problematic behaviors. These techniques help individuals manage and respond to various situations, emotions, and triggers in healthier ways.

Remember that the effectiveness of these techniques can vary from person to person. Our trained therapist will tailor the coping techniques to the individual’s specific needs and goals, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate support and guidance.

Overcome Emotional Trauma

Behavioral counseling can help to overcome emotional trauma. Skills taught using the behavioral approach to therapy can help clients learn about their thoughts related to traumatic incidents and how to manage emotions associated with them.

It’s important to note that addressing emotional trauma often requires a comprehensive approach that may include other therapeutic modalities, such as psychotherapy, support groups, medication (if necessary), and holistic practices.

Improve Relationships

Behavioral therapy teaches interpersonal skills that will improve relationships. This can benefit those with family or relationship problems causing emotional distress. 

At Great Oaks Recovery, we customize the teaching of interpersonal skills to the individual’s unique needs and challenges. Behavioral therapy can be highly effective in helping individuals improve their ability to connect with others, reduce social anxiety, and navigate social situations more comfortably.

Find a Behavioral Therapist

Finding a behavioral therapist can be as easy as searching on the internet. Ensure to review potential therapists’ credentials and what they specialize in to get the best treatment that meets your needs. In addition, do not hesitate to ask therapists questions to learn more about them. 

Ask for Recommendations

Asking for recommendations can go a long way. Medical professionals and even friends and family may provide helpful advice regarding therapists, therapy types, and how to get the most out of your therapy sessions.

Contact Your Health Insurance

Your health insurance provider can offer a list of therapists and mental health offices that accept your insurance. In addition, you can contact your health insurance to learn more about what your plan covers.

Please fill out our Insurance Verification Form. 

Set Goals

Setting goals is an excellent way to lay out your plans, compartmentalize goals in different aspects of your life, and keep track of your accomplishments.

Setting goals is a fundamental aspect of behavioral therapy. Goals provide direction, focus, and motivation for therapy, allowing individuals to work towards specific behavioral changes and improvements in their lives. In behavioral therapy, goal setting is a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual seeking treatment.

Be an Active Participant

Listening to your therapist is an important aspect of therapy and can greatly contribute to the success of your treatment.

Here are some 6 key points to consider when it comes to listening to your therapist:

1. Open Communication: Effective therapy is built on open and honest communication. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your therapist so they can gain a deeper understanding of your needs and concerns.
2. Active Listening: Actively engage in the therapy sessions by listening attentively to what your therapist is saying. This helps you absorb and understand the insights, guidance, and strategies they offer.
3. Follow Recommendations: Therapists may suggest specific techniques, exercises, or homework assignments to practice between sessions. Follow these recommendations to reinforce your progress and learning.
4. Ask Questions: If something is unclear or if you have doubts about a particular approach or technique, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your therapist is there to help you understand and navigate the process.
5. Discuss Concerns: If you have concerns about the therapy process or if you’re experiencing challenges, discuss them with your therapist. They can help address these issues and adjust the approach as needed.
6. Set Goals: Collaborate with your therapist to set clear and achievable goals for therapy. This provides a sense of purpose and direction throughout your treatment.

Get Behavioral Therapy at Great Oaks Recovery Center

If you are looking for behavioral therapy in the Houston, Texas area, Great Oaks Recovery Center can help. Great Oaks has licensed behavioral therapists trained to treat various conditions, including substance use disorder and mental health conditions. Contact us today for more information about our programs and how to get started.