Behavior therapy is a specific type of therapy with its own distinct techniques and concepts. However, the term is also used to describe a broader group of therapies that target behavior change as a starting point for dealing with emotional and cognitive functioning. Behavioral therapy is highly structured and employs a strict scientific method for identifying the events that precipitate certain behaviors, describing the behaviors that need to be changed, and the rewards or consequences that follow certain behaviors. The intent of behavioral therapy is the reduction or elimination of certain behaviors and the learning of other more acceptable and productive behaviors. Modern behavior therapy is at the root of three major theoretical orientations: applied behavioral analysis, CBT, and social learning theory. Applied behavioral analysis is used with populations such as individuals with autism who cannot benefit from talk therapies. However, behavioral therapy is also important and effective in the treatment of substance use and addiction, eating disorders, weight problems, smoking cessation, stress-related issues, chronic pain, and depression. Behavioral therapy is important with these problems because the behaviors that are being employed are immediately harmful. While the causes of the behaviors are important to understand, it is more important to stop the behaviors as quickly as possible (Antony & Roemer, 2003).
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a cognitive behavioral approach that explores the thinking patterns behind and individual’s actions. According to REBT, illogical or irrational thinking causes individuals to behave in ways that are counter-productive and even harmful. Individuals are encouraged to change their belief systems by employing a specific formula for analysis. Ellis attempted to retain the structure of behaviorism while still allowing individuals to the freedom to use their own mind to make decisions. REBT is useful in many settings as an individual, group, and family therapy. It is effective in treating weight control, substance use, grief, depression, anxiety, and a number of everyday life changes such as career change, and relationship issues. It is a cognitive behavioral approach that has become an evidence-based practice in use in the treatment of most mental disorders (Ellis, 1994).
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REBT has received positive feedback about its use in diverse populations. Since it is based upon the individual logic and personal applications of one’s own belief system, it is relatively free of imposed biases. However, it may be difficult for individuals from some backgrounds to evaluate their belief systems because such challenges would be seen as inappropriate. The age of the client also impacts the ability of the individual to assess his own beliefs, expectations, and reactions. Younger children, for example, may be able to recognize their own motivations and the consequences of their actions but may not yet be able to explore the accuracy and utility of some of the myths they are being taught to believe. Young children are in the process of developing those systems but questioning parental rules and making other choices may not be appropriate.
Behavioral therapy on the other hand has more issues in application to other cultures. It has previously been thought that behavioral constructs are universal and that individuals, regardless of age, gender, or culture learn behaviors in the same ways. However, more recent studies have shown that behaviors are directly affected by social context. In many cases, the social environment and its effects has greater influence than past or current behavioral learning. The influence of the context may not be obvious to the individual but these influences change and are often occurring in unpredictable combinations at unexpected times and in a manner that may produce unexpected results. For this reason, behavioral therapy must be employed with the understanding that, while behavioral principles have offered an effective framework for structuring a therapeutic intervention, there are other factors that may also need to be addressed through other methods. Behavioral therapy is often helpful but may not sufficient as a sole approach (Antony & Roemer, 2003).
- Antony, M.M., & Roemer, E. (2003). Behavior therapy. In A.S. Gurman & S.B. Messer (Eds.),
Essential psychotherapies (2nd ed., pp. 182-223). New York: Guilford. - Ellis, A. (1994) Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy: Comprehensive Method of Treating
Human Disturbances : Revised and Updated. New York, NY: Citadel Press.
