Behavior therapy, also called behavioral modification, is a psychological technique based on the principle that certain observable, maladaptive, self-destructing, or badly adjusted behaviors can be modified. This is done through learning more appropriate new behaviors to replace the old, dysfunctional ones. Behavior therapy can be a useful treatment for many mental health conditions and symptoms of mental illness that involve maladaptive behavior. These include aggressive behavior, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and phobias.
Children
There are many effective forms of child therapy with evidence to back them up, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Family Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Organization Training. Younger children may also benefit from Play Therapy, and older adolescents may benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Group Therapy, or Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
These therapies may be administered on their own, in combination with other therapies, or as a hodge-podge of techniques and exercises from several different types of therapies. In addition, it may or may not be accompanied by medication, depending on the situation. One of these therapies may work for a child far better than the others, and the type chosen will depend on the issue(s) the child and family are dealing with. Like with any form of therapy, it is most effective when everyone involved is on board, supportive, and contributing to its success.
