behavior therapy

noun

variants or behavioral therapy or behavior modification or behavioral modification
: psychotherapy that is concerned with the treatment (as by desensitization or aversion therapy) of observable behaviors rather than underlying psychological processes and that applies principles of learning to substitute desirable responses and behavior patterns for undesirable ones (such as phobias or obsessions) compare cognitive therapy
behavior therapist noun
or behavioral therapist

Examples of behavior therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
One effective treatment is dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, experts said. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 Treatments include behavior therapy and medication. Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 These guidelines are similar to role-playing techniques for other therapeutic processes, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Ars Technica, 30 Sep. 2024 Initial strategies entail learning to manage your daily lifestyle to minimize pain, employing therapies like physical therapy and cognitive behavior therapy to manage stress, and taking medications such as NSAIDs and nerve pain pharmaceuticals. Sarah Garone, Health, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for behavior therapy 

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of behavior therapy was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near behavior therapy

Cite this Entry

“Behavior therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavior%20therapy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

behavior therapy

noun
variants or behavioral therapy or behavior modification or behavioral modification
: psychotherapy that is concerned with the treatment (as by desensitization or aversion therapy) of observable behaviors rather than underlying psychological processes and that applies principles of learning to substitute desirable responses and behavior patterns for undesirable ones (such as phobias or obsessions) compare cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy

More from Merriam-Webster on behavior therapy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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