Behavioral Therapy
Reflection on Behavioral Therapy
Jennifer Dohl
Moraine Park Technical College
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Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy Description
I feel behavioral therapy is effective for many clients because it is so straight forward and positive. Behavioral therapy is about the client, with the help and encouragement of the therapist, taking action and being proactive in making positive changes in their life. In behavioral therapy the focus is on the present and how the client’s present behaviors are affecting how effectively they are living. The therapist and the client collaborate to set treatment goals. The client is expected to be engaged in the entire process. The therapist and client explore the environmental events and the circumstances surro unding problematic behaviors in the client’s life through functional assessment. The client is responsible for monitoring his or her behavior in and away from the therapeutic setting. The therapist will help the client to learn new ways of coping with stressors and situations that may trigger maladaptive behaviors. The new behaviors are practiced through role-play and homework assignments. The progress and goals of the client are measured and assessed continually and adjusted as needed
(Corey, 2009).
I have been using relaxation training for insomnia since I was a teenager. It is an activity that can be useful for most clients with a variety of issues. Self-relaxation can be used at the beginning of an individual or group counseling session to relax the client(s) before their work in the session begins.
I think the self-modification program is similar to the WDEP program in reality therapy. As an AODA counselor, I will be able to adapt either of the programs to be effective in working with clients with substance use disorders.

Behavioral Therapy
Some of the strengths of behavioral therapy include its ability to work with diverse populations. Behavioral therapists take into consideration the client’s cultural
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Behavioral therapy has been criticized for downplaying the importance of the relationship between the therapist and the client, ignoring past issues of the client and solely focusing on present behaviors. Some critics believe that behavioral therapists discourage clients from experiencing their emotions and that they only treat the symptoms of the problem but do not get to its root cause (Corey, 2009).
Analysis/Interpretation
Behavioral therapy appeals to me because it deals with present issues and present behaviors; it uses tangible and measurable goals that are met by using empirically tested techniques to modify maladaptive behaviors. The client has a voice and is expected to take responsibility in the outcome of their treatment. Behavioral

Behavioral Therapy therapy is flexible; the therapist and client are able to modify the treatment plan as needed.
Meaning/Application
I feel I will be able to use behavioral therapy successfully when working with
AODA clients. In group settings the facilitator is able to teach assertiveness and social skills training, relaxation procedures, behavioral rehearsal, modeling, coaching, meditation, and mindfulness techniques (Corey, 2009). I will also be able to use the
4 techniques of behavioral therapy for my own benefit. I can use the self-modification program for many different behaviors I’d like to modify in my life such as; money management, sticking to a workout regimen, or eating a healthier diet.
Implications for Action
I will be able to use the techniques of behavioral therapy in the practice sessions in my Group Facilitation class. I will also be able to share many these techniques with my children and husband. The relaxation techniques can be used by anyone in many different circumstances and the self-modification program is easy to understand and I will be able to teach my family to use it effectively as individuals or to achieve family goals.