Behavior therapy - Cognitive Behavioral Approaches Flashcards
Key figures:
B. F. Skinner, and Albert Bandura
Theory
This approach applies the principles of learning to the resolution of specific behavioral problems. Results are subject to continual experimentation. The methods of this approach are always in the process of refinement. The mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches are rapidly gaining popularity.
Basic Philosophies
Behavior is the product of learning. We are both the product and the producer of the environment. Traditional behavior therapy is based on classical and operant principles. Contemporary behavior therapy has branched out in many directions, including mindfulness and acceptance approaches.
Key Concepts
Focus is on overt behavior, precision in specifying goals of treatment, development of specific treatment plans, and objective evaluation of therapy outcomes. Present behavior is given attention. Therapy is based on the principles of learning theory. Normal behavior is learned through reinforcement and imitation. Abnormal behavior is the result of faulty learning.
Goals in therapy
To eliminate maladaptive behaviors and learn more effective behaviors. To identify factors that influence behavior and find out what can be done about problematic behavior. To encourage clients to take an active and collaborative role in clearly setting treatment goals and evaluating how well these goals are being met.The Therapeutic Relationship
The Therapeutic Relationship
The therapist is active and directive and functions as a teacher or mentor in helping clients learn more effective behavior. Clients must be active in the process and experiment with new behaviors. Although a quality client–therapist relationship is not viewed as sufficient to bring about change, it is considered essential for implementing behavioral procedures.
Techniques of Therapy
The main techniques are reinforcement, shaping, modeling, systematic desensitization, relaxation methods, flooding, eye movement and desensitization reprocessing, cognitive restructuring, social skills training, self-management programs, mindfulness and acceptance methods, behavioral rehearsal, and coaching. Diagnosis or assessment is done at the outset to determine a treatment plan. Questions concentrate on “what,” “how,” and “when” (but not “why”). Contracts and homework assignments are also typically used.
Applications of the Approaches
A pragmatic approach based on empirical validation of results. Enjoys wide applicability to individual, group, couples, and family counseling. Some problems to which the approach is well suited are phobic disorders, depression, trauma, sexual disorders, children’s behavioral disorders, stuttering, and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Beyond clinical practice, its principles are applied in fields such as pediatrics, stress management, behavioral medicine, education, and geriatrics.
Contributions to Multicultural Counseling
Focus on behavior, rather than on feelings, is compatible with many cultures. Strengths include a collaborative relationship between counselor and client in working toward mutually agreed-upon goals, continual assessment to determine if the techniques are suited to clients’ unique situations, assisting clients in learning practical skills, an educational focus, and stress on self-management strategies.
Limitations in Multicultural Counseling
Family members may not value clients’ newly acquired assertive style, so clients must be taught how to cope with resistance by others. Counselors need to help clients assess the possible consequences of making behavioral changes.
Contributions of the Approaches
Emphasis is on assessment and evaluation techniques, thus providing a basis for accountable practice. Specific problems are identified, and clients are kept informed about progress toward their goals. The approach has demonstrated effectiveness in many areas of human functioning. The roles of the therapist as reinforcer, model, teacher, and consultant are explicit. The approach has undergone extensive expansion, and research literature abounds. No longer is it a mechanistic approach, for it now makes room for cognitive factors and encourages self-directed programs for behavioral change.
Limitations of the Approaches
Major criticisms are that it may change behavior but not feelings; that it ignores the relational factors in therapy; that it does not provide insight; that it ignores historical causes of present behavior; that it involves control by the therapist; and that it is limited in its capacity to address certain aspects of the human condition.
Group Counseling - both cognitive and behavioural
Group therapy from a cognitive behavioural approach relies on techniques that have been empirically tested and shown to be effective, emphasising self-management and thought restructuring. These interventions are typically short-term and make use of behavioural assessments, collaborative treatment goals, formulated treatment procedures specific to a particular problem, such as anxiety, panic, eating disorders, and phobias, and objective evaluation of the therapeutic outcomes. Group leaders adopt a psychoeducational approach and encourage members to utilise homework tasks to practise skills in their daily environment. Through this collaborative approach with group leaders and members, individuals can develop their awareness of self-defeating or faulty thoughts and how these influence what they feel and how they behave.
Classical conditioning
what happens when prior to learning that creates response through pairing
Operant Conditioning
involves a type of learning in which behaviours are influenced mainly by the consequences that follow them.
Positive Reinforcement - involves that addition of something of value to the individual
Negative Reinforcement - the escape from the unpleasant stimuli
Positive Punishment - adverse stimuli is added after the behaviour is decreased
Negative Punishment - stimuli is removed after the behaviour decreases
