There are certain behaviors in people that can become obstacles to enjoying life to its fullest. Usually, these can be corrected without much help, but in some cases, the need for professional assistance is required. If you feel like some of your behaviors are becoming a problem, here are some basic facts about behavioral therapy and what benefits can be gained from it:
What Exactly Is Behavioral Therapy?
Many people really have no idea what behavioral therapy is and what it can do for them. Put simply, this type of therapy involves identifying problem behaviors and correcting them—or replacing them with healthier ones. Some of the more prevalent behavior issues that require therapy are ones that lead to depression, obsessive compulsions, and insomnia. Of course, there are many more issues behavioral therapy can treat, but these are just some of the more recognizable ones.
The process of correcting these behaviors usually involves changing the way a certain individual views these behaviors and figuring out a way to alter them. A good behavioral therapist will work with their patients to acknowledge that these behaviors lead to negative feelings, such as stress and depression. These issues are discussed at length and then reduced or eliminated by finding proactive ways of dealing with them.
What Are the Results?
The results of any behavioral therapy session depend on the individual being treated, but in most cases these patients will simply feel better about themselves. Nobody wants to exhibit unhealthy or negative behaviors; when these go untreated, they can cause a person to develop depression. Combating these issues will give a person a better idea as to why they display certain behaviors and what they can do to prevent or reduce them. This knowledge will increase a person’s self-esteem because they will be able to find strategies to deal with them that work on a consistent basis.
Since emotions drive behaviors, behavioral therapy is a great way to identify which emotions set off certain behaviors. This knowledge allows for a better understanding of how to better control behavior-causing emotions, which will lead to increased self-esteem.
Another great positive result of behavioral therapy is that it gives patients the ability to accomplish their goals. Often, negative behaviors have harmful effects on a person’s ability to work, attend school, or develop healthy relationships. Everybody wants to be successful and develop positive long-lasting relationships with other people, and certain behaviors can prevent them from doing these things. By recognizing, reducing, and eliminating certain behaviors through working with a professional, these goals can be accomplished and lead to a more stable, enjoyable lifestyle.
There are certainly other great benefits of seeing a behavioral therapist and there are many fantastic professionals out there who can help. Take your life back by confronting these issues head on. It will definitely be worth it.
Dr. Linda Johnston and her team are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and highly experienced in providing psychotherapy and counselling services in Burlington, Ontario. Visit them online to schedule an appointment at drlindajohnston.com. You can connect with them on Google+ for more updates!
