Behavioral Family Therapy

Question 1

Key Principle of Behavioral Family Therapy

Answer 1

Behavior will change as contingencies of reinforcement are altered

Question 2

10 Underlying Assumptions

Answer 2

(based on social learning theory:

1. All Behavior (normal and abnormal) is acquired and maintained in identical ways.
2. Behavior Disorders represent learned maladaptive behaviors ONLY.
3. Maladaptive Behavior (Symptoms) is itself the disorder, not a manifestation of an underlying disorder or disease process.
4. It is not essential to discover that exact situation or set of circumstances in which disorder was learned. Focus only on current determinants.
5. Maladaptive behavior, having been learned can be unlearned and replaced with new learned behavior patterns.
6. Treatment involves the application of experimental psychological findings, emphasizing the development of a methodology that is precisely specified, objectively evaluated and easily replicated.
7. Assessment is an ongoing part of treatment.
8. Behavioral therapy focuses on the here and now.
9. Treatment outcomes are evaluated in terms of measurable changes.
10. Research on specific therapeutic interventions is continuously carried out by behavioral therapists.

Question 3

How Symptoms Develop

Answer 3

They are caused by dysfunctional patterns of reinforcement. They are maintained by environmental events preceding and following each member’s behavior. These events and associated cognitions determine the form and frequency of the behavior.

Question 4

Goals of Therapy

Answer 4

• To modify current behavior pattern to achieve symptom relief.
• Goals are defined by the client.

Question 5

Therapy Set-Up

Answer 5

• Not insistent upon seeing whole family.
• Extended family not likely to be included.
• Often focused on Dyadic interactions NOT Triadic.
• Therapist is seen as an educator or trainer.

Question 6

Therapy Process (6 steps)

Answer 6

Assessment is key for problem analysis and functional analysis of target behavior.

• Much is done through observation
  1. Establish Therapeutic Relationship
  2. Develop positive expectancies (hope)
  3. Clearly define client concerns
  4. Implement change
  5. Client follow through
  6. Assess progress.(read feedback)

Question 7

Interventions

Answer 7

• Skills training
• Systemic Disensitization
• Reinforcement
• Contingency Contracting (If this happens…this will occur).
• Modeling (therapist models behavior they want client to show).
• Shaping (use intermediate step to reach final goal)
• Cognitive Restructuring.