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

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

Pay attention to what treatment specialty your therapist provides: Some offer specific approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy or dialectical behavior therapy. —Bryan Cochran, Discover Magazine, 12 July 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