Behavior Therapy - Outline

Behavior Therapy

(Arnold Lazarus)
  1. Overview:
    2.
    • Uses the scientific method, results are evaluated and measured, showing what works. An original behavioral assessment is taken.
    • Focus is on the present and current behavior – this present can be a result of the past, but it is the present that needs dealt with.
    • Behavior is learned, and bad behaviors can be unlearned. Action is required; the client will learn new behaviors. Homework.
    • Many approaches – the therapist will tailor the therapy to the client.
    • Self-control approach. The client evaluates his progress with the therapist. They work as a team.
    • Negatives: Does not address personal issues such as values, meaning, feeling, etc. Some problems may require more than a simple change in behavior. No insight is provided as to the causes of behavior – only symptoms are treated. There is the possibility of manipulation on the part of the therapist.


  2. Some Common Procedures:
    • Relaxation Training (teaches to cope with stress, can become habitual – good with high blood pressure, migraine, asthma, etc.).
    • Systematic Desensitization (used to gradually overcome anxiety, as well as compulsions, obsessions, body image disturbances, depression, etc. by both imagining and addressing greater levels of the anxiety provoking situations – also uses relaxation training).
    • In vivo desensitization (as SD above, but with no imaginations – only direct confrontations in increasing levels).
    • In vivo flooding (as SD above, but with prolonged constant exposure – the client learns that the feared negative consequences do not occur).
    • Self-management programs/Self-directed behavior (learning skills to manage one’s life successfully without the need of professionals).
    • Multimodal Therapy (A multidimensional plan tailored to each client).
    • Basic ID
      • B= Behavior
      • A= Affect
      • S= Sensations
      • I= Imaginary
      • C= Cognition
      • I= Interpersonal Relationships
      • D= Drugs/Biology
Filed under: EDC 543 Theories and Techniques of Counseling
Copyright: June, 2002 - David Profitt