Behavioral Therapy & Psychotherapy Services
What is behavior therapy?
The American Psychological Association defines behavior therapy as 'a form of psychotherapy that applies the principles of learning, operant conditioning, and classical conditioning to eliminate symptoms and modify ineffective or maladaptive patterns of behavior.'
-APA, 2020
More simply, behavior therapy is a collaborative method used to change behavior by modifying the environment. Behavior therapy focuses on external variables which can be observed, measured, and controlled. It has many uses, and can be especially helpful when working with children and/or people with developmental disabilities.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy involves communication between patients and therapists that is intended to help people:
-Find relief from emotional distress, as in becoming less anxious, fearful, or depressed.
-Modify ways of thinking and acting that are preventing them from working productively and enjoying personal relationships.
-American Psychological Association, 2020
How are psychotherapy and behavior therapy linked?
Behavior therapy may be considered a form of psychotherapy, with its own techniques, guidelines, and goals. However, it can also be used very successfully in conjunction with other types of psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, humanistic therapy, solution-focused therapy, and group therapy are some of the many different psychotherapies that can complement behavior therapy.