All of us have some sort of destructive behavior that causes problems in different situations. Several techniques have been introduced in psychiatry to tackle behavioral issues. One such technique is known as behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy tries to identify and change unhealthy and self-destructive behaviors as a treatment.
Let’s discuss in detail what behavioral therapy is and its types and effectiveness.
Table of Contents
What is Behavioral Therapy?
Doctors can use a range of available techniques to identify and change a particular behavior. These techniques are collectively known as behavioral therapies. The concept behind each of these treatments is; all behaviors are learned and can be changed through therapy.
Who can Get Behavioral Therapy?
People with different mental health issues can benefit from behavioral therapy. A person with one of the following conditions can be a good candidate:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger issues
- Panic disorders
The following conditions can also be managed using behavioral therapy:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Self-harm
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Phobias, including social phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What are the Types of Behavioral Therapy?
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of behavioral therapy. The notable ones are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: It is a combination of behavioral and cognitive therapies. The thoughts and beliefs of a person creating behavioral issues can be fixed using this popular technique.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy: This technique is famous for working well with children ages 3 to 12. During this therapy, the therapist observes a child playing a game. It could be any game that a child loves to play.
- System Desensitization: This kind of therapy depends on classical conditioning. In general, it works well for phobias. The professional teaches breathing and relaxation techniques during the therapy that help people deal with their phobias.
- Aversion Therapy: For alcoholism and substance abuse, professionals recommend aversion therapy. During this behavioral therapy, the patient is exposed to a certain stimulus while being subjected to discomfort. In simple words, it teaches the patient to link an unwanted behavior with discomfort.
How Effective is Behavioral Therapy?
The psychiatrists have been successfully treating various mental health issues using behavioral therapy. It has always been considered highly effective among psychology professionals. Most patients obtain terrific results in a short period of time.
Behavioral therapy has shown significant improvements when used for people with the following conditions:
- Bulimia
- Depression
- General stress
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety disorders
- Somatoform disorders
- Anger control problems
Different research studies have highlighted that play therapy delivers promising results for 3 to 12-year-old children. Play therapy can work well for other age groups as well.
Children and Behavioral Therapy
Play therapy and behavior therapy are mainly used for children due to their effectiveness. During these techniques, professionals teach different methods to help children respond to different situations. The support of parents also plays a vital role during the therapy.
The counselors who perform therapy take some time to win the child’s trust. In this way, the highest possible efficacy of the treatment and the best possible outcomes can be ensured. Behavioral therapy can be effective for a child with ADHD.
Finding a Behavioral Therapist
People often face difficulty in finding the right behavioral therapist. If you are looking for one, you have the following choices:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Faith-based counselors
- Non-faith-based counselors
Checking the qualification, training, and experience of the professional is necessary. For complex behaviors, an expert might be required to change behavior. If you do not know who is offering such services in your area, just ask a general physician for recommendations.
Please note psychiatrists can prescribe medication as well. Due to these reasons, visiting a psychiatrist is a better option for early results. Your medical insurance may cover behavior therapy. But for this reason, you need to get proper documentation to file a claim with your insurance company.
Book an Appointment Now
If you are interested in getting Behavioral Therapy in Dubai, visit Euromed Clinic Center today. Our psychiatrists would love to help you out. Also, if you need more information about types of behavioral therapies, please call us. You can also fill the short form to book a consultation session with one of our psychiatrists.
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