The Behaviorist Therapeutic Approach - Essay Example

 Behavior Therapy Introduction The behaviorist therapeutic approach functions by examining specifically the individual behaviors of the patient, identifying instances that might be problematic, and then developing means of correcting these behaviors through objective goal setting. It is predominantly rooted in the theories of B.F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov who identified this process of learned behavior as classical conditioning, and outlined a number of means that such behavior can be reinforced and altered through stimulus and reward. (George & Cristiani 1995) However, outside influences contend that the behavioral therapy has a diverse group of founders, also being attributed to Joseph Wolpe’s group in South Africa, and Hans Eysenck in the United Kingdom. Since its inception it has influenced many different therapeutic approaches, many of which have coupled it with outside influences in creating a hybrid version of the therapy. The most popular of these hybrid therapies is the cognitive-behavioral model, which shifts the focus from strikly behavior to incorporate irrational thought processes as key components of the therapeutic process. I. Theoretical Foundation The theoretical foundations of behavior therapy are rooted in the classical conditioning theories of Ivan Pavlov and the conditioning theories of B.F. Skinner. While these theories are similar they can be differentiated. Classical conditioning examines what it terms involuntary behavior patterns; these are behaviors that are contingent on past behaviors, with no immediate consequence in the subject’s environment. Operant conditioning operates on the environment and voluntary behaviors with responses in the patient’s environment, generally associated with direct consequences. The cognitive-behavioral model foundationally incorporates elements of learning theory into its approach. The idea is that the behavior is learned and as a result can be altered accordingly. (Anon, Web) As the behavioral model is rooted in highly testable scientific foundations, it has the benefit of objectivity where other therapeutic processes, namely psychodynamic, have been deemed pseudo-science. It is one of the few therapeutic approaches that can be tested scientifically, as it contends that the internal state of human can only be altered by affecting their outside behavior. For example, when attempting to treat insomnia the psychodynamic would focus on the unconscious problems underlining the occurrences, whereas the behavioral therapeutic model would attempt to modify the behavior of sleeplessness. II. Developmental Elements As the theory is rooted in operant and classical conditioning models, its personality development theory examines the patient’s behavior as it relates to an outside stimulus. Depending on the behavioral model, the therapy understands human behavior in terms of the actions of the patient. Certain approaches, such as the cognitive-behavioral model, shift the focus from the person’s behavior to their thought processes. This line of thinking contends that just as individuals learn maladaptive behaviors, the individual’s subjective interpretation of reality and external events is oftentimes irrational and can be altered to more functional levels. III. Structural Elements The goals of behavioral therapy are to reach a more functional means of existence. The Therapy doesn’t rely entirely on any objective standards of truth, the ultimate goal of the therapy is to determine patient’s goals. The therapist then works with the patient in developing more adaptive and functioning responses to achieving these goals. In strictly behavioral models the therapist will consider means of altering behavior. Whereas the cognitive-behavioral approach will work towards adjusting specific irrational thoughts. In many instances the goal is to help the patient better manage situations that pose stress to their lives by calmly accepting the situation as a means of feeling better. This outlook is partly rooted in the Stoic philosophy of antiquity. IV. Process Elements While other therapeutic approaches are lengthier as they rely on an in-depth understanding of the patient’s core issues, the cognitive-behavioral model is more direct and results oriented. While it is dialogue based, and implements the Socratic method in discovering the underlining goals and irrational thoughts of the patient, it understands behavior on a less involved level than humanistic or psychodynamic approaches. Building from the learning theory approach that argues behavior and mental functioning are learned processes, cognitive-behavior therapies encourage patients to understand their thoughts and perspectives as hypotheses or theories. In shifting the patient’s thinking to this level it promotes an understanding of reality as malleable, and through dialogue and goal setting the therapist and patient can work towards more viable paradigms. As it is results oriented it functions by oftentimes requiring the patient to complete homework tasks and then report the results to the therapist in the next session. (NACBT, Web) Specific behavior approaches to insomnia has incorporated implementing conscious relaxation (Jacobson in Cormier & Hackney 1993), as well as positive visualization, where the client envisions instances that put them in past sleep inducing states. Such techniques have documented effectiveness and have been determined to lower oxygen use, and decrease heart rate and blood pressure. One can also consider the positive outcome the behavioral model could have when implemented to counter-attack addictive behavior, such as drug abuse or alcoholism, and realize that merely cognitively acknowledging that one has a drug abuse problem is not enough to prevent one from using drugs. In these instances, the direct connection between behavior and the individual’s problems is clearly distinguishable. (NACBT, Web) Other therapeutic processes include approaches to anxiety. For example, a patient with social or generalized anxiety disorder might have irrational fears of entering public spaces, conversing with strangers, or similar phobias. A cognitive-therapeutic approach to these issues would be to investigate the nature of the patient’s thought processing, and determine elements of it that are irrational. For instance, a patient might respond that they believe people are judging them or laughing at them. It is the therapist responsibility to bring these irrational thoughts to the patient’s attention, ensuring them that they are irrational and not based in fact. It’s believed that through this self-awareness the patient gradually can learn to develop more appropriate responses to the external stimuli. The behavioral therapeutic process of treating anxiety might focus on gradually acquainting the patient with such situations where they feel anxiety. A technique often used is having the patient gradually engage in conversation with people in these areas, and slowly through this small talk they gain comfort in their environment. More strict approaches to behavior might consider how one’s actions affect others. For example, a person having trouble with their significant other might be shown to consider how their behavior reinforces actions. People who tolerate abusive relationships can be shown that by giving the person a second chance, they are actually reinforcing the negative behaviors patters that originally disrupted the relationship. References Anon, Aziz. Reinforcing Behavior Therapy. http://rbt.tripod.com/, Feb. 2010 George, R. & Cristiani, T. (1995), Counseling: Theory and Practice, 4th edn, Allyn & Bacon USA. Jacobson, E., in Cormier, L. & Hackney, H. (1993), The Professional Counselor: A Process Guide to Helping National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. ‘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’ http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm, Feb. 2010 Read More