Behavior Therapy
Three strengths of behavior therapy are; it uses behavioral techniques and relies on the problematic thoughts in order to help the clients change their thinking and behaviors. Secondly, behavioral therapy is scientifically and empirically based or in other words, behavioral therapy is an approach that is tested and well-established scientifically (Scott, 2009). This means that it does not rely on vague clinical theories but it relies on empirical research. Third, its focus on ethical accountability or in other words, the counselors adhere to codes and regulations.
One limitation of behavioral therapy is that it does not pay attention to emotions or feelings. Behavioral practitioners ignore clients' emotions yet emotions or self-consciousness would help in behavioral responses (Scott, 2009). By ignoring emotions, it means that the approach treats symptoms to reinforce behaviors and ignores the cause of the problem.
Three concepts associated with behavioral therapy include collaborative empiricism- this is an element whose role is to build a collaborative therapeutic relationship with the client. The latter is allowed to define problems, and the therapists provide solutions to the problems. The second concept is problem-oriented- this is an element that focuses on problems and difficulties or rather the current state of mind. The therapists and the client creates goals toward solving the problems (Scott, 2009). Another concept is classical conditioning- this term is used to imply that neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus develop a conditioned response.
One technique in behavioral therapy is the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) - this involves the weakening of reinforcement that influence negative behave and strengthening the reinforcement for positive behaviors (Scott, 2009). It provides alternative activities such as job clubs and social activities, among other environments where the client can have fun.
This approach is effective in people of all age but it best fits children aged 3 to 12 years. This is because children suffer from negative behaviors and this therapy is effective in influencing desirable behaviors and discouraging maladaptive behaviors.
Cognitive Therapy
Three strengths of cognitive therapy are; it focuses on inward actions and thought processes. Secondly, by looking at inward actions, it controls the mind and improves the outward behaviors (Rupke et al, 2006). Third, the approach has long-lasting effects in that the client can use the skills to solve other problems in the future.
One limitation of cognitive therapy is that it only focuses on cognitive processes and ignores other factors that may affect human behaviors such as genes, biological structures, and more (Rupke et al, 2006). These factors may affect the thought processes and failure to address these factors makes the approach ineffective.
Three concepts of cognitive therapy are; rational emotive behavior therapy- this means that irrational thinking leads to emotional disorders. Thus, the approach helps the patient change negative thinking and develop positive thinking. The second concept is dialectical behavior therapy-this means that the client is responsible for bringing positive changes through techniques such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation (Rupke et al, 2006). The third conceit is rational living therapy-this means that the therapist should use persuasive techniques to encourage the patient to change negative feelings.
One technique from cognitive therapy is cognitive restructuring-this means that the therapist helps the client change the dysfunctional thought patterns and as a result, the negative mood state which affects the emotions and behavior will be eliminated (Rupke et al, 2006). The client will develop a positive way of thinking and recover from depression and anxiety.
Cognitive therapy works well in adolescents with depression. Adolescents with negative thoughts and negative moods will overcome the thoughts and manage the condition.
References
Scott J. Michael. (2009). Simply Effective Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide. Routledge
Rupke J. Stuart, M.D., Blecke David, M.S.W., & Renfrow Marjorie, M.D. (2006). Cognitive Therapy for Depression. Am Fam Physician, 73(1), 83-86.
