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

Alternative solutions to youth crime Some curfew opponents point to approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy, a type of talk therapy that helps identify thought patterns and tries to change them, and tailored drug or mental health treatment programs as more effective strategies, Carbone said. —Amanda Hernandez, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Sep. 2023

Some therapists have found that patients respond well to methods like cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and forest bathing—a process where patients spend time in a forest, immersed in its atmosphere—to reconnect with nature. —Hannah Seo, The New Republic, 28 Aug. 2023

The professional will decide if your child needs treatment, which is usually in the form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). —Nicole Harris, Parents, 15 Aug. 2023

The book draws from Weber's experience as a clinical psychologist and draws from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques. —Mary K. Tatum, Ms, Verywell Health, 14 July 2023

Psychotherapies: Talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be helpful for individuals who have attempted suicide. —Sarah Klein, Health, 26 June 2023

As a former partner at a national law firm, the 37-year-old had very little opportunity to participate in behavior therapy with her 5-year-old autistic daughter. —Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 24 May 2023

The program centers on dialectical behavior therapy, or D.B.T., which was developed over the past five decades by a psychologist named Marsha Linehan, who was suicidal herself. —Maggie Jones, New York Times, 17 May 2023

Therapists at Thriveworks use modalities like play therapy, which can help kids express feelings; cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help kids reframe their reactions and perceptions; and dialectical behavior therapy, which gives teens tools to manage overwhelming emotions. —Brittany Vargas, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

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