Behavior modification is closely related to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in that it helps the client produce better outcomes in life. However, instead of focusing on negative thinking patterns or ideas, behavior modification focuses on sequences of behavior. Instead of thoughts leading to a specific outcome, this therapy aims to alter actions that lead to specific outcomes. Essentially, if a behavior is reinforced (i.e. praised or strengthened in some way), it will continue. If the undesirable behavior is ignored, it will gradually fade away until it stops. This technique helps rid an individual of unwanted behavior while supporting deep positive change. It is a common form of treatment for substance abuse and some mental health conditions.
Behavior modification is for anyone looking to alter their behavior in exchange for more positive outcomes throughout their day-to-day life.
Together our therapists and clients examine different stimuli that negative behaviors stem from. Before any type of reinforcement begins, it’s important to pinpoint the behavior you want to increase or decrease and what happens before and after that behavior. What situations cause it? Is the outcome one you’d like to continue or improve? Understanding your behavior often involves having to understand how you were raised, your environment, your personality, or even your DNA.
Everyone may benefit from behavior modification—children to adults. This is a therapy that can also be done in individual or group settings. Our therapists always start client relationships by getting to know you and building a solid foundation of trust and comfort. You’ll never be rushed in and out as fast as possible at Choices Psychotherapy. Behavior modification usually seeks to extinguish, or stop, unwanted behavior and replace that behavior with the desired behavior. Using the principles of reinforcement, therapists assist clients and parents in constructing ways to reinforce desired behaviors while constructing ways to extinguish unwanted behaviors.