Unit 5: Behavioural Therapy Flashcards
List the basic characteristics and assumptions of the behavioural approach. What characteristics distinguish behaviour therapy from the psychodynamic approaches?
Assumes that behaviour is learned and can therefore be unlearned and replaced with more favourable behaviours. Emphasizes observable, current behaviour, that is assessed for determination of setting goals for new behaviours. Teaching new skills is involved.
Unlike psychodynamic processes, it is conducted associated with empirically evidenced methods proven by the scientific method to have positive results. It is not focused on the past but on correcting current behaviour. It is not associated directly with feelings or emotions as it is about correcting symptoms. Therapist is active and directive in BT, using action-oriented techniques. Overall is much more concise and short-term than psychotherapy.
Discuss the roles of the therapist and the client in behaviour therapy. How do these roles affect the establishment of therapeutic goals?
The therapist is warm, supportive and assistive. In social learning theory, warm behaviour is reflected back as an opportunity for the client to learn by example.
The therapist is actively engaged, applying evidenced based strategies like reinforcing, modelling, exposure therapy and desensitization in directive way. They collaborate in goal setting with the client. They educate and assist in practicing new behaviour; problem-solve, analyze and encourage.
The client is actively engaged in setting goals with the therapist’s support. Are they clear, measurable and achievable.
Select two of the behavioural techniques explored in the chapter and describe the steps involved in each. How does each of these strategies facilitate self-direction, self-responsibility, and self-management on the part of the client?
EMDR - a traumatic event is selected that is the cause of significant symptoms. Through bilateral brain stimulation, the event is recalled, the sensations are evaluated, the belief imprinted at that time is declared and recognized, a new belief is laid, the emotions are released and exit from the event.
In vivo desensitization - real-life exposure to settings that cause anxiety or distressful symptoms. Flooding is one example of exposure to a large amount of stimulation associated with the setting, by which sensitization will decrease.
Self direction because the client is a part of recognizing and evaluating the symptoms involved to target, as well as being initiative in exercising self authority regarding the issue outside of session, and being honest and committed to the work involved, which boosts self confidence and self awareness.
Define technical eclecticism, and differentiate it from theoretical eclecticism. What are the pros and cons of technical eclecticism? How does technical eclecticism fit with Corey’s position in Chapter 1 of Theory and Practice?
TE is about administering a wide range of therapeutic techniques.
Theo-E is about drawing from different schools of thought.
Pros and cons of TE:
It allows for a wide range of methods, it’s flexible and practical. Cons are, it lacks a cohesive ideology, can be less effective if not specifically suitable, inconsistent outcomes and could create an over reliance on techniques vs understanding.
Corey feels TE is a danger because it undermines having a clear set of foundational ideas that techniques can be derived from. He argues for theoretical integration so that techniques can be applied with a theoretical basis which makes them more methodological.
Describe how behaviourism reshaped and positively affected the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy.
Shifted towards behavioural modification and the scientific method to measure results with more structure and target of results. New techniques for behavioural modification were developed that were practical and actionable, like desensitization and EMDR. Made therapy more streamlined and pragmatic, shifted from unconscious to present.
