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

There are several treatment options, such as medications (stimulants and non-stimulants) and behavior therapy. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025

She is also certified in cognitive behavior therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy. —Israa Nasir, Harvard Business Review, 6 Jan. 2025

Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are typically considered the gold standard. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025

Psychologist/psychiatrist: These qualified mental health practitioners, especially those interested in reproductive mental health, can provide therapies such as talk therapy (including cognitive behavior therapy) or medications. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

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