Cognitive behavior modification was developed by merging behavior therapy with cognitive therapy. Although behavior therapy and cognitive therapy are drawn from different theories, each shares an emphasis on alleviation of symptoms and a focus on the present in developing a course of treatment. This differs from talk therapy, which is often based on an exploration of the past in discovering the roots or causes of mental health problems or disorders as a means of achieving results.
What Is Cognitive Behavior Modification?
Cognitive behavior modification is a method of mental health therapy commonly used to treat a range of neuroses and anxiety disorders. In cognitive behavior modification, the patient or client is trained to recognize destructive or harmful thought patterns or behaviors, then replace them with helpful or constructive thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive behavior modification is used either with or without medication, and is administered in the course of treatment by a licensed mental health professional.
How It Works
Cognitive behavior modification works on a principle called "thought stopping." By making thought patterns conscious, the patient is able to recognize when she is about to perform an undesirable behavior, such as compulsive hand-washing, or when she is engaging in negative thoughts that are not supported by logic or reality. The process then calls for the patient to halt the behavior or thought, then consciously replace it with a desired thought or behavior.
Disorders Treated by Cognitive Behavior Modification
Obsessive compulsive disorders, phobias, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are all conditions that are effectively treated by cognitive behavior modification. Deeply ingrained behaviors may require a longer course of treatment, along with medication. However, most cognitive behavior modification programs can be completed in a period of several weeks or several months, where conventional talk therapy can require several years.
Results
CBM therapy has a high rate of success. In many instances, the complete elimination of the undesirable behavior is achieved with cognitive behavior modification. The results also often last longer than therapy or medication alone. Even when a complete cure is not achieved, in a majority of cases, dramatic improvements can be seen with cognitive behavior modification.
Considerations
Because the course of treatment is shorter than that of conventional talk therapy, cognitive behavior modification can be a less expensive means of obtaining mental health treatment. The self-help element also means that patients can work to maintain their own treatment even after formal therapy has ended. Cognitive behavior modification can be performed individually or in group therapy sessions.
Tags: behavior modification, course treatment, mental health, behavior modification, Cognitive behavior modification, talk therapy, with cognitive