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

Psychologist/psychiatrist: These qualified mental health practitioners, especially those interested in reproductive mental health, can provide therapies such as talk therapy (including cognitive behavior therapy) or medications. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

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