Behavioural Therapy vs Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy (CBT) in Child Therapy Services
Introduction
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a
highly effective, evidence-based approach
widely used in child therapy to address a
range of emotional and behavioral
challenges. Unlike therapies that solely focus
on external behaviors, CBT emphasizes the
relationship between thoughts, emotions,
and actions. It helps children understand how
their thought patterns influence their feelings
and behaviors, empowering them to develop
healthier ways of thinking and coping.
1. Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy focuses
on modifying problematic
behaviors by reinforcing
positive actions and
discouraging maladaptive
ones. It is rooted in the
principles of behaviorism,
which emphasize that
Behaviours are learned and
can be changed through
conditioning.
Key Features:
●
●
Focus: Directly
targets specific
behaviours’, such as
tantrums,
aggression, or social
withdrawal.
Best For: Younger
children or those
with developmental
disorders, such as
autism or ADHD.
●
Methods:
○
Positive reinforcement (e.g.,
rewarding good behavior).
○
Negative reinforcement (e.g.,
removing an unpleasant
stimulus when the desired
behaviour occurs).
Operant conditioning and modeling
●
Goal: Teach
children new
skills and
eliminate
disruptive
behaviors.
Advantages:
●
●
Highly structured and measurable outcomes.
Suitable for addressing concrete behavioral issues.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT integrates the behavioral
approach with cognitive
psychology, focusing on the
interplay between thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors. It helps
children recognize and
challenge negative thought
patterns that contribute to their
emotional or behavioral issues.
Key Features:
●
●
Focus: Addresses the
root of behaviors by
examining underlying
thought processes.
Best For: Children
struggling with anxiety,
depression, phobias, or
obsessive-compulsive
tendencies.
●
Goal: Build emotional
resilience and improve
problem-solving skills.
Advantages:
●
●
Empowers children to manage their emotions.
Provides long-term skills for self-regulation and emotional well-being.
Comparison
Aspect
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focus
Changing specific behaviors.
Addressing thoughts that influence behaviors.
Application
Best for developmental or behavioral issues.
Ideal for emotional and cognitive challenges.
Approach
External (reinforcement of actions).
Internal (cognition-emotion-behavior link).
Age Suitability
Effective for younger children.
More effective for older children or teens.
Conclusion
Both Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are vital tools in child therapy
services, tailored to different needs. While Behavioral Therapy excels in addressing concrete behavioral
concerns, CBT equips children with emotional and cognitive strategies to navigate life's challenges. A
combination of these therapies may be employed for comprehensive care, depending on the child’s
individual needs.
Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy