Behaviour therapy techniques are based on classical and operant conditioning theories. Techniques include systematic desensitization, flooding, modelling, aversion therapy, and token economies. The document provides details on how each technique uses conditioning principles to modify unwanted behaviors.

1. BEHAVIOUR THERAPY
AND ITS
TECHNIQUES
MADE BY :
PSYCHOLOGIST :SHAHEEN KHAN

2. Behavioural therapies (also called behaviour modification) are based on the
theories of classical and operant conditioning. The premise is that all
behaviour is learned; faulty learning (i.e. conditioning) is the cause of
abnormal behaviour. Therefore the individual has to learn the correct or
acceptable behaviour .
An important feature of behavioural therapy is its focus on current problems
and behaviour.
Behavioural therapy is action-based. Behavioural therapists are focused on
using the same learning strategies that led to the formation of unwanted
behaviours. Because of this, behavioural therapy tends to be highly focused.

3. THERAPY
The two basic principles that contribute to behavioral therapy: Classical and
operant conditioning.
 Classical conditioning involves forming associations between stimuli.
Previously neutral stimuli are paired with a stimulus that naturally and
automatically evokes a response. After repeated pairings, an association is
formed and the previously neutral stimulus will come to evoke the response
on its own.
 Operant conditioning focuses on how reinforcement and punishment can be
utilized to either increase or decrease the frequency of a behaviour.
Behaviours followed by desirable consequences are more likely to occur again
in the future, while those followed by negative consequences become less
likely to occur.

6. SYSTEMATIC DESENSITIZATION
 Developed by Wolpe and is based on the behavior principle of counter
conditioning for assisting the individuals to overcome their fear of phobic
stimulus.
 Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique where by a
person overcomes the maladaptive anxiety elicited by a situation or an object
by approaching the feared situation gradually, in a psycho physiological state
that inhibits the anxiety.
 The technique of systematic desensitization in which a therapist guides the
client through a series of steps meant to reduce the fear and anxiety

7. Systematic desensitization indicated in the cases of clearly identifiable anxiety
provoking stimulus, such as:
 Phobias
 Obsessive compulsive disorder
 Sexual disorders
 Anxiety disorder
Procedure:
Systematic desensitization consist of three steps
 Relaxation training
 Hierarchy construction
 Desensitization of stimulus

9. AVERSION THERAPY
 Aversion therapy is another way to use the classical conditioning is to reduce the
frequency of the undesirable behavior, such as smoking or over eating, by teaching the
client to pair an unpleasant stimulus that results in undesirable response.
 It is form of behavior therapy in which an undesirable behavior i s paired with an
aversive stimulus to reduce the frequency of the behavior.
Indication
 Alcohol abuse
 Paraphillias
 Homosexuality
 Tranvestism

10. Types of Aversion therapy
Overt sensitization
 It is a type of aversion therapy that produces unpleasant consequences for undesirable
behavior. For example if an individual consumes alcohol while on Antabuse therapy,
symptoms of severe nausea, vomiting, dyspnoea, palpitation and headache. Instead of
euphoria feeling normally experienced from the alcohol, the individual receives a
punishment that is intended to extinguish the unacceptable behavior.
Covert sensitization
 It relies on the individual produce symptoms rather than on medication. The technique
is under clients control and can be used whenever and whenever it is required. The
individual learns through mental imagery to visualize nauseating scenes and even to
induce a mild feeling of nausea. It is most effective when paired with relaxation
exercises that are performed instead of the undesirable behavior.

12. FLOODING/IMPLOSIVE THERAPY
Flooding was invented by a psychologist named Thomas Stampfl. Flooding is an
effective form of treatment for phobias amongst other psychopathologies. It
works on the behaviorist principles of classical conditioning.
 It is behavior therapy technique in which the person is rapidly and intensely
exposed to the fear provoking situation or object and prevented from making
the usual avoidance or escape response.
Indication
 Phobias
 Post traumatic stress disorder
 Obsessive compulsive disorder

13. MODELLING
 Modelling is used as a treatment that involves improving interpersonal skills such
as communication and how to act in a social setting. Techniques involved in
modelling are live modelling, symbolic modelling, role-playing, participant
modelling and covert modelling.
 Live modelling involves the client watching a “model” such as the counsellor
perform a specific behaviour, the client then copies this behaviour. Symbolic
modelling involves the client watching a behaviour indirectly such as a video.
Role-playing is where the counsellor role-plays a behaviour with the client in
order for the client to practice the behaviour.
 Participant modelling involves the counsellor modelling the behaviour and then
getting the client to practice the behaviour while the counsellor performs the
behaviour. Covert modelling is where the client cannot watch someone perform
the behaviour but instead the counsellor gets the client to imagine a model
performing the behaviour

15. TOKEN ECONOMY
A token economy is a combination of reinforcement and punishment procedures.
It consists mainly of giving a generalized reinforcer (tab) when issued a desirable
response and / or withdrawn when the target behavior is inappropriate.
Most of the token economies provide a varied choice of reverse back-up
reinforcers that includes:
 Reinforcers that have materialistic value: Journals, sweets, money and
cigarettes
 Wide variety o services: Several activities, getting breakfast served at your bed,
cleaning of the room
 Numerous benefits and extras: Permission for extra time to remain at your bed,
getting permitted for attending phone calls.

17. CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT
 Contingency Management (CM) is a therapy approach that aims to help a person
decrease drug-related behaviors.
 Contingency" means that a reward is contingent on performing a desired act.
"Management" is the art, science, or practice of arranging these rewards to shape
behavior.
 Contingency management uses rewards to reinforce behaviors that support both
facility requirements and a person’s individual recovery and sober living goals.
 Contingency management has shown to be beneficial in treating other disorders
or issues which may accompany substance abuse and complicate recovery.
Contingency management include:
 Eating disorders
 Aggression
 Smoking
 Addiction