Behavioral Therapy in California
Behavioral Therapy can treat several different mental health disorders. At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we eliminate and change undesirable behaviors with behavioral therapy techniques. Our certified behavioral therapists work with you to find practical solutions. To learn more about behavioral therapy in California, contact us today.
What Is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral therapy describes a wide range of counseling options that are implemented in the hopes of altering someone’s maladaptive behavior. The primary objective in most forms of behavioral treatment is to reestablish positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones. It works because of its deep roots in behaviorism. This is the mindset that the things we learn come from what we experience in the environment.
Unlike other types of therapy, such as humanistic or psychoanalytic, behavioral therapy sessions stand out because they are entirely action-based. Our certified behavioral therapists have seen this treatment effectively handle negative behaviors and fear responses. At the same time, it teaches patients new skills and techniques to reduce or eliminate the issue.
Why Use Behavioral Therapy Techniques?
Behavioral therapy is considered to be problem-focused while being entirely action-oriented. Thus, it helps recognize specific psychological issues that typically cause a domino effect of other life complications. The most common culprits are stress management and anger management.
- Bipolar disorder
- Anorexia and other eating disorders
- Adults or children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Intense fears and phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Types of Behavioral Therapy
There is a range of different types of behavior therapy. Which is best for each patient depends on their unique condition and situation.
A few common behavioral therapy forms include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most popular types of treatment. CBT adds a cognitive element, focusing on how thoughts and beliefs affect one’s mood and actions. The idea is to adopt healthy behaviors and patterns instead of problematic ones.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) helps a person identify illogical beliefs and problematic thought patterns that lead to issues. The therapist and patient work together to replace those with more logical thinking. The therapist may help the individual adopt a combination of problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, and coping techniques into their daily lives. REBT differs from CBT because it emphasizes accepting our imperfections and the things we cannot change.
Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that incorporates the philosophical process called dialectics. DBT emphasizes the dialogue between the patient and the therapist. The therapist may focus on validation and working with the patient to bring self-acceptance and positive change.
Aversion Therapy
Aversion therapy involves triggering certain behaviors with an unconditionally unconditioned stimulus, like an electric shock. Doing this helps the patient to associate the negative behaviors with that electric shock. Therefore, a link is then created between the negative actions and the sudden reflex felt after the shock.
Systematic Desensitization
Systematic Desensitization is designed to identify and eliminate the fear response of a phobia and substitute it for a relaxed response. This process includes the patient being taught different breathing exercises and deep muscle relaxation techniques. The patient is tasked with creating a fear hierarchy that starts small and then builds up to the most intense and robust fear-provoking thoughts and traumatic images.
Benefits of Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is effective for various mental illnesses and behavioral health disorders. Roughly 75% of individuals who received CBT therapy have shown significant improvement.
- Anxiety Disorders
- Stress
- Bulimia
- Anger Issues
- Somatoform Disorders
- Depression
- Substance Abuse
Not only has behavioral therapy been effective in adults but kids as well. Play therapy has shown to be very useful in children ages 3 to 12. It has even been increasingly used in people of all ages.
Get Behavioral Therapy in California
Don’t let you or your loved ones’ mental health disorders go untreated. Our Behavioral Health Treatment at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center provides positive results for any mental health disorder.
Our skilled behavioral therapists will help you find the behavioral health treatment that’s right for you or your loved one. Call us today, and our admission specialist will gladly answer any questions about our process!