Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy

Behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, such as rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), share many similarities. Not only do they focus on a strong collaborative therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist, but also they have the most empirical data that proves their effectiveness (Corey, 2009). Similarly, these two therapies focus on irregularities and trouble in cognitive development and output, generating methods to change the way one thinks or feels in order to change behavior (Corey, 2009). Both of these therapies are generally goal-oriented and effectively time-managed in order to focus on these problems (Corey, 2009). In addition, therapists use homework assignments to obtain these results. In both therapies, “the client generally determines what behavior will be changed, and the therapist typically determines how this behavior can best be modified” (Corey, 2009, p. 262). They both deal with a client’s current problems and factors that influence their feelings and decisions, not necessarily an “analysis of possible historical determinants” (Corey, 2009, p. 237). A strength of these approaches are the freedom that a client has in choosing what to change, a major shift from psychoanalysis where the therapist leads the client into uncharted thoughts (Corey, 2009).

There is a major emphasis on research support for behavior therapy and outcomes (Corey, 2009). It is up to the therapist to keep track of progress carefully in order to give the client both an effective and short-termed treatment (Corey, 2009).

Behavioral Theory

B.F. Skinner and Albert Bandura were the greatest contributors to behavior theory. Skinner believed that humans do not have free choice, and social issues and environment affected our actions (Corey, 2009). Bandura contributed the idea of social cognitive theory, in which he expanded Skinner’s basic social and environmental effect on a human being to include one’s “inner impulses” (Corey, 2009, p. 233). He believed that people need self-efficacy and resilience to be successful in life and to deal with the adversities that they run into (Corey, 2009). This idea of self-efficacy is crucial in the success of behavior therapy because the client must complete their homework assignments and push through different techniques in order for the therapy to be successful.

REBT

Albert Ellis was the founder of REBT, a therapy that assumes that “cognitions, emotions, and behaviors interact significantly and have a reciprocal cause-and-effect relationship” (Corey, 2009, p. 275). It is a therapy that gives clients the tools necessary to overcome their fears and shortcomings. Historically, Ellis also experienced a fear of talking to women. He forced himself to talk to over 100 women in a month to desensitize himself of that fear (Corey, 2009).

Although many behavior therapy techniques are assimilated into cognitive behavior therapy, there are some differences. Some behavior techniques that are empirically proven to be effective are: (1) positive and negative reinforcement, (2) extinction, (3) positive and negative punishment, (4) relaxation training, (5) systematic desensitization, (6)in vivo exposure, (7) flooding, (8) eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), (9) social skills training, and (10) self-directed behavior (Corey, 2009). Using an integrative approach to behavior therapy can help a client tackle many different individual behavioral problems. The main focus of behavior therapy is to not have “catharsis”, but to change behaviors and develop problem-solving skills (Corey, 2009, p. 259). This is the opposite of psychoanalysis, which aims to work through their past; behavior therapy helps the client learn their erratic and problematic behaviors and the therapist teaches them ways to change (Corey, 2009).

Contrastingly, REBT therapy is based on the assumption that humans will learn to live at peace with themselves while continually making mistakes (Corey, 2009). It focuses on the fact that humans tend to think and feel badly about themselves, and blame themselves for their imperfections, therefore, causing them to behave poorly (Corey, 2009). Also, REBT stresses “thinking, judging, deciding, and doing” (Corey, 2009, p. 304). The two main goals for REBT, in contrast to the unlimited goals for behavior therapy, are (1) “to assist clients in the process of achieving unconditional self acceptance (USA) and unconditional other acceptance (UOA) and (2) to see how they are interrelated” (Corey, 2009, p. 280). The techniques used in REBT are: (1) cognitive methods (2) emotive techniques and (3) behavioral techniques (Corey, 2009).

Reference

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

This was written by Michelle L. Taylor, M.S. during her tenure as a graduate student. Any and all uses of this document must be correctly annotated and credited as such.