behavior therapy

noun

variants or behavioral therapy or behavior modification or behavioral modification

: psychotherapy that is concerned with the treatment (as by desensitization or aversion therapy) of observable behaviors rather than underlying psychological processes and that applies principles of learning to substitute desirable responses and behavior patterns for undesirable ones (such as phobias or obsessions) compare cognitive therapy

behavior therapist noun

or behavioral therapist

Examples of behavior therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For others, medication, behavior therapy or a combination of these interventions may be necessary. —Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025

The free mind-body-spirit program will focus on cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, along with sleep health and cognitive behavior therapy information. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025

Some are building chatbot therapists trained on dialectical behavior therapy. —Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

See a mental health professional: If accessible to you, therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can build mental and emotional resilience. —Jakob Roze, Health, 19 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for behavior therapy

• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy
• radiotherapy
• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy

Medical Definition

behavior therapy

noun

variants or behavioral therapy or behavior modification or behavioral modification

: psychotherapy that is concerned with the treatment (as by desensitization or aversion therapy) of observable behaviors rather than underlying psychological processes and that applies principles of learning to substitute desirable responses and behavior patterns for undesirable ones (such as phobias or obsessions) compare cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy