What Are the Different Types Of Behavioural Therapies? How Can We Classify them?
Psychology is a wide stream and there is more than one way to treat and analyse the human mind. A very important part of our everyday existence is our behaviour. Behaviour can be defined as the way we appraise the current environment and then react to showcase our perception. However, sometimes the behaviour is not complimentary. It becomes faulty and this is where one needs special attention. The most common way to deal with such behaviour is none other than behaviour therapy. There are different types of behavioural therapies and each of them has a unique approach as well. The proponents of each therapy are the masterminds who have decided on the course of therapy and how it can work for different individuals.
The major founding principles of behaviour therapy are an amalgamation of different facets like learning theory, particularly classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning theory. The major concept behind behaviour therapy is rooted in the principle that behaviours are learned and can be unlearned or replaced with more adaptive behaviours. There are usually different kinds of treatments but just hearing the name DBT or CBT will make you more confused. It is the work of a professional to analyse you and then ascertain which way that works best for you.
Behaviour therapy has been known to work wonders on different spectrums of mental health disorders. It is particularly effective with diseases like phobia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and similar others. The therapies have also changed with time as it is extremely difficult to work with something rigid. It will also start to fabricate the end results as well. Always ensure that if you want to take up any kind of behavioural therapy, the best thing to do is get in touch with professionals who can aid you the same.
Different Types of Behaviour Therapies
As we have mentioned, when we talk about therapies, there is a wide spectrum and not every option might be right for you. However, some of the most popular forms of behavioural therapies that are highly accredited by professionals all around the world are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Very popularly referred to as CBT, this is a rather emerging field and with time it has proven the excellence and efficacy it carries. Cognitive behavioural therapy is extremely precise and it aims to restructure the faulty thinking pattern which manifests itself in faulty behaviours. In a lot of cases, the client has an idea about the faulty behaviour and wants to seek solace from the same.
As a concept, the major premise that CBT follows is changing negative thought patterns which can lead to changes in emotional responses and behaviour. Cognitive restructuring involves challenging and modifying irrational or negative thought patterns to promote healthier thinking. Tenets like CBT for low self-esteem or even cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety have proven to be exceptionally expertise.
The concept of CBT therapy is based on the ABC principle where A stands for activating events, B stands for behaviour and the C stands for cognition. Each of the three components that we have mentioned is believed to share a triadic relationship where one component automatically affects the other. To perform cognitive behaviour therapy the therapist has to be exceptionally talented so that they can challenge the faulty behaviour pattern and then move on to alter it. The work involves equal participation from both the therapist and the client and in a few sessions you will be able to see immediate results. The good thing about CBT is that it is not extensive unlike some other forms like psychoanalysis where it takes years to just build the rapport. This often helps those who are running short on time or want to have a more affordable approach to mental health treatment.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
The next form of behaviour therapy that we have to mention in this list is none other than dialectical behaviour therapy or very popularly known as DBT therapy. It is one of the most specialised forms of behaviour therapy and the ultimate focus is to treat a special sector of mental health disorder - borderline personality disorder. Dialectical behaviour therapy is not a single form where you try only one particular technique or approach. On the contrary, it is more specific in nature and focuses on standard cognitive-behavioural techniques with elements of mindfulness and acceptance.
Not only treating borderline personality disorder, dialectical behaviour therapy has proven to be highly effective in domains like emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. A professional has to be trained in the field of dialectical behaviour therapy so that they can deliver the same to you. There are diploma courses particularly focused on this form of therapy which teaches an individual how to perform DBT with expertise. As we have mentioned in the case of cognitive behavioural therapy, this one is also not very time-consuming and you will be able to get done with it between 6 to 8 weeks depending on the complication.
To get the most accurate results it is always suggested that you take active participation with the therapist. Not only on a one-on-one basis DBT is also one of the very few forms of behavioural therapy which is often delegated in a group structure as well. There have been a lot of research studies in the past which have hinted that this form of therapy over the others is most suitable for individuals with BPD.
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
The major proponent behind developing rational emotive behaviour therapy was none other than Sir Albert Ellis. As the name suggests, REBT focuses on challenging irrational beliefs and replacing them with rational, constructive beliefs. The proponents of this theory believed that by changing irrational beliefs you will be able to see promising changes in behaviour as well. Although the concept is similar to that of cognitive behaviour therapy there is a basic difference between the two. REBT focuses on irrational thoughts only and hence the spectrum is much more constricted in nature. You will be able to apply this form of therapy to some of the most common daily life problems like anxiety, phobias and even anger management. REBT therapy does have an extremely high efficacy rate if done in the right way.
Although rational emotive therapy is a fairly new concept, it has been able to make quite an impact as well. For this therapy to work it is extremely important to make sure that the client believes that they can do it and they will be able to see positive results. It is important to challenge beliefs which are high in self-flattery. When the therapy starts the first pillar of the same is understanding that people around me are not waiting to affirm my thoughts and behaviour and that the world doesn't revolve around me.
After the therapy was conceptualised in the year 1950 it has been able to garner a lot of popularity and some specialists follow only this type of therapy. It is a great form of therapy if you have conflicting self-doubt and do not find it easy to approach a public scenario. REBT usually was great on short-term scenarios as well.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
As individuals, we are often subjected to a lot of different scenarios and sometimes it becomes difficult for us to cope with it. Trauma is caused when we are not anticipating a situation and something happens which completely shakes our inner belief system. Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy is a special type of cognitive behaviour therapy which focuses only on treating trauma. It takes a little bit of time and a lot of patience for clients to respond to trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy.
A behavioural health therapist will be able to understand exactly when you need help to move past trauma. TF-CBT has proven to be extensively accurate when it comes to treating various trauma-related difficulties, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems. The therapy has demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing traumatic stress symptoms and improving overall functioning and resilience in children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.
This form of therapy is usually highly effective if the client is going through post-traumatic stress disorder. It has prevented being quite a result oriented in treating individuals who have faced some kind of natural calamities where they have lost near and dear ones, abuse victims, rape survivors and even domestic violence survivors. The concept of trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy is completely evidence-based in nature. It focuses on meeting the specific needs of young individuals who have been highly impacted due to the onset of traumatic incidents in their life. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy continues to be widely used in clinical settings, schools, and community mental health programs to help children and adolescents heal from traumatic experiences and move towards a healthier, more adaptive future. It is one of the extensive forms of behavioural counselling and is extremely subjective in nature.
Habit Reversal Therapy
In our daily life, we often develop habits. What are habits? These are simply recurrent forms of behaviour that keep manifesting themselves every day. But some habits are not promising for our development and it often causes more damage to us. To get rid of the same and ensure that you move past those unhealthy habits, the best form of behavioural therapy is none other than habit reversal therapy. As the name suggests, you will be able to move past the unwanted habit and cultivate patterns which are favourable for your growth.
This particular form of therapy was first conceptualised by Azrin and Nunn in the 1980s and that too for the treatment of Tourette's syndrome, trichotillomania. In simple words, it refers to pulling hair as a constant habit that can cause you physical damage. The ultimate core principle of Habit Reversal Therapy is to increase self-awareness and develop competing responses to replace undesirable habits. When it comes to habit reversal therapy, there are different key components which serve as pillars. These are:
Awareness Training
This is the initial step that will help the client to understand if they showcase any kind of faulty habit pattern. Developing awareness is crucial as it lays the foundation for subsequent interventions.
Competing Response
After identifying the pattern, the next step involves understanding the competing response and then working on it. This response is voluntary behaviour that is physically incompatible with the habit and serves as a substitute for unwanted behaviour.
Social Support
The success of habit reversal therapy depends on how much support you receive from people around you- particularly your parents, partner or friends. Without social support, it is extremely difficult to stay motivated and walk on the path of habit reversal.
Intervention
Once the prior steps have been completed, the next step involves developing an effective intervention that can help one fight that habit. These interventions allow one to formulate an effective treatment method.
Maintenance
And finally, habit reversal therapy is not only about intervening, it is about maintaining the changed habit as well. The therapist and the client have to work together so that the new behaviour becomes much more consolidated in nature and then develops into a new habit.
The concept of Habit Reversal Therapy is highly effective and completely based on evidence that it is effective on habit-related disorders. The therapy has been able to show positive outcomes in reducing the frequency and the extent of tics, hair-pulling, and other repetitive habits.
Not only for treating the nuances of habit-related disorders, HRT has also been adapted for various conditions, including nail-biting, stuttering, and nervous habits. Some of the major areas of focus for habit reversal therapy include self-awareness, voluntary control, and the development of alternative behaviours making it a versatile and valuable tool in behavioural intervention. Habit Reversal Therapy can lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for individuals struggling with unwanted habits or tics if you can get guidance from professionals in the field.
Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA)
It would be a complete mismatch when we are talking about behavioural therapy and not mentioning the facet of applied behaviour analysis or ABA therapy. Not only the aba therapy for adults, this particular form of therapy has proven to be extremely applicable for children as well. One of the major reasons why it is so popular is because of its simplicity and high efficacy rate. Although the structure of the therapy remains the same the format changes depending on the current situation and the client's history. It has proven to be extremely effective in segments like depression, low self-esteem and similar others. The ultimate goal of applied behaviour analysis therapy is to reduce the number of faulty behaviour and increase the effectiveness of the right behaviour. This will help the individual to be more focused in society and work as a highly functional human being.
It does not remain restricted to only these few instances. ABA therapy has been exceptionally successful in improving a wide range of behaviours. These include communication, social skills, self-care, academic skills, and reducing challenging behaviours like aggression or self-injury. Not only that, but it has also proven to be extensively effective in helping individuals with autism, with many children making significant developmental gains through early and intensive ABA interventions.
Just like you need professionals in the case of cbt for intrusive thoughts, it is important to get in touch with a therapist who has a valid licence and can help you with accurately applied behaviour therapy. Even with children, you will be able to take them with a therapist because the process is extremely simple.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The good thing about the behavioural school of therapy is that it is constantly evolving with the changing times and incorporating different branches. One such branch of therapy which has proven to be extremely result oriented is none other than acceptance and commitment therapy, popularly known as ACT. The major pillar of this particular therapy is to involve and swear by the rules of mindfulness and acceptance in every walk of life. The primary aim of this therapy is to help individuals accept their thoughts and emotions. It also ensures that one can commit to actions that align with their values.
Therapists who follow this particular mode of therapy will always ensure that clients can accept reality and stay in the present. Dwelling in the past or the future is highly discouraged. Although one can apply therapy in a lot of different spheres, it has proven to be highly appreciated in fields like depression, anxiety as well as different forms of chronic pain. Even for the treatment of terminally ill patients, acceptance and commitment therapy are widely used.
Parent Management Therapy
As parents, it can become extremely challenging and complex to take up the role of guiding children through different years of life. It is not possible for a parent to always be right and be the ideal testimony of patience and acceptance. In such when the parent is struggling with his or her role, a great form of behavioural counselling is Parent Management Therapy. It is a highly effective option for those parents who are new and do not have much exposure to how to be the right parent. Not only does it teach them different techniques but it also inculcates the basic parental behaviours as well.
The domain of parent management therapy typically involves psychoeducation about child development, reinforcement techniques, setting clear expectations, and implementing consistent consequences for behaviours. This form of therapy has also proven its excellence in reducing disruptive behaviours in children and improving parent-child relationships. Parents who are facing this particular phase of their life for the first time get overwhelmed very easily. It is also common for new mothers to develop baby blues or postpartum depression. This form of therapy covers all the different parameters and ensures that a parent is prepared to embark on this journey.
The Efficiency of the Different Types of Behavioural Therapies
Be it the different kinds of separation anxiety disorder therapies or similar others, behaviour therapy is one of the most common and highly effective forms of therapy. The major proponent of this particular house of therapy was none other than brilliant minds like Ivan Pavlov, B. F. Skinner and Watson. The school of behaviour therapy has moved a long way and today it is much more advanced. The major reason why it is so popular across different environments is because of the simplicity that therapy brings in. Not only that, it is extremely affordable and hence people do not get perturbed about the costs.
In deciding the efficiency of behavioural therapy it is important to understand that it is a collaborative process and having a skilled therapist and equally supportive client is extremely important. Unlike most other schools of therapy like psychodynamic or even humanistic, the alliance in the case of behaviour therapy is much more short-lived. It teaches the client to be self-dependent and fight the perils head-on.
If you are planning to take a behaviour therapy then it is extremely important to get in touch with a therapist who is licensed to practice therapy. There are indeed different branches when it comes to behaviour therapy, however, there are common threads among these therapies. As you can notice, the focus is on modifying behaviour to promote adaptive functioning and improve emotional well-being. These evidence-based therapies have proven to be highly effective when it comes to treating a wide array of mental health conditions. It ensures that one can make behaviour therapy an essential component of modern psychotherapeutic practice. A little bit of patience and guidance from the therapist can help you to alter the faulty behaviour pattern for a lifetime.
