BEHAVIOR THERAPY AND ITS TECHNIQUES

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF BEHAVIOR THERAPY AND ITS TECHNIQUES

1. BEHAVIOUR THERAPY AND ITS TECHNIQUES MADE BY : PSYCHOLOGIST :SHAHEEN KHAN

2. Behavioural therapies (also called behaviour modification) are based on the theories of classical and operant conditioning. The premise is that all behaviour is learned; faulty learning (i.e. conditioning) is the cause of abnormal behaviour. Therefore the individual has to learn the correct or acceptable behaviour . An important feature of behavioural therapy is its focus on current problems and behaviour. Behavioural therapy is action-based. Behavioural therapists are focused on using the same learning strategies that led to the formation of unwanted behaviours. Because of this, behavioural therapy tends to be highly focused.

3. The Foundation of Behavioural Therapy Th e two basic principles that contribute to behavioral therapy: Classical and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves forming associations between stimuli. Previously neutral stimuli are paired with a stimulus that naturally and automatically evokes a response. After repeated pairings, an association is formed and the previously neutral stimulus will come to evoke the response on its own. Operant conditioning focuses on how reinforcement and punishment can be utilized to either increase or decrease the frequency of a behaviour. Behaviours followed by desirable consequences are more likely to occur again in the future, while those followed by negative consequences become less likely to occur.

4. SYSTEMATIC DESENSITIZATION Developed by Wolpe and is based on the behavior principle of counter conditioning for assisting the individuals to overcome their fear of phobic stimulus. Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique where by a person overcomes the maladaptive anxiety elicited by a situation or an object by approaching the feared situation gradually, in a psycho physiological state that inhibits the anxiety. The technique of systematic desensitization in which a therapist guides the client through a series of steps meant to reduce the fear and anxiety

5. Systematic desensitization indicated in the cases of clearly identifiable anxiety provoking stimulus, such as: Phobias Obsessive compulsive disorder Sexual disorders Anxiety disorder Procedure: Systematic desensitization consist of three steps Relaxation training Hierarchy construction Desensitization of stimulus

6. Aversion therapy Aversion therapy is another way to use the classical conditioning is to reduce the frequency of the undesirable behavior , such as smoking or over eating, by teaching the client to pair an unpleasant stimulus that results in undesirable response. It is form of behavior therapy in which an undesirable behavior i s paired with an aversive stimulus to reduce the frequency of the behavior . Indication Alcohol abuse Paraphillias Homosexuality Tranvestism

7. Types of Aversion therapy Overt sensitization It is a type of aversion therapy that produces unpleasant consequences for undesirable behavior . For example if an individual consumes alcohol while on Antabuse therapy, symptoms of severe nausea, vomiting, dyspnoea, palpitation and headache. Instead of euphoria feeling normally experienced from the alcohol, the individual receives a punishment that is intended to extinguish the unacceptable behavior . Covert sensitization It relies on the individual produce symptoms rather than on medication. The technique is under clients control and can be used whenever and whenever it is required. The individual learns through mental imagery to visualize nauseating scenes and even to induce a mild feeling of nausea. It is most effective when paired with relaxation exercises that are performed instead of the undesirable behavior .

8. FLOODING /implosive therapy Flooding was invented by a psychologist named Thomas Stampfl . Flooding is an effective form of treatment for phobias amongst other psychopathologies. It works on the behaviorist principles of classical conditioning. It is behavior therapy technique in which the person is rapidly and intensely exposed to the fear provoking situation or object and prevented from making the usual avoidance or escape response . Indication Phobias Post traumatic stress disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder

9. Modelling Modelling is used as a treatment that involves improving interpersonal skills such as communication and how to act in a social setting. Techniques involved in modelling are live modelling, symbolic modelling, role-playing , participant modelling and covert modelling . Live modelling involves the client watching a “model” such as the counsellor perform a specific behaviour, the client then copies this behaviour. Symbolic modelling involves the client watching a behaviour indirectly such as a video. Role-playing is where the counsellor role-plays a behaviour with the client in order for the client to practice the behaviour. Participant modelling involves the counsellor modelling the behaviour and then getting the client to practice the behaviour while the counsellor performs the behaviour. Covert modelling is where the client cannot watch someone perform the behaviour but instead the counsellor gets the client to imagine a model performing the behaviour

10. Token economy A token economy is a combination of reinforcement and punishment procedures. It consists mainly of giving a generalized reinforcer (tab) when issued a desirable response and / or withdrawn when the target behavior is inappropriate . Most of the token economies provide a varied choice of reverse back-up reinforcers that includes: Reinforcers that have materialistic value: Journals, sweets, money and cigarettes Wide variety o services: Several activities, getting breakfast served at your bed, cleaning of the room Numerous benefits and extras: Permission for extra time to remain at your bed, getting permitted for attending phone calls .

11. Contingency Management Contingency Management (CM) is a therapy approach that aims to help a person decrease drug-related behaviors . Contingency " means that a reward is contingent on performing a desired act. "Management" is the art, science, or practice of arranging these rewards to shape behavior . Contingency management uses rewards to reinforce behaviors that support both facility requirements and a person’s individual recovery and sober living goals. C ontingency management has shown to be beneficial in treating other disorders or issues which may accompany substance abuse and complicate recovery . Contingency management include: Eating disorders A ggression Smoking Addiction