Behavioral counseling is a form of psychotherapy used with children to help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, social situations and familial issues. According to the "Encyclopedia of Mental Health", behavior therapy attempts to alter human behavior and emotions in a positive way, while learning various techniques to learn how to overcome or adapt to the stress or triggers.
History
Behavioral therapy dates back to the first century Rome era, where Pliny the Elder attempted to cure an individual of alcohol abuse by placing rotten spiders in the drinking glass of the abusers, which would be similar to modern day aversive conditioning, according to the "Encyclopedia of Mental Health". However, the most notable history of psychotherapy is the beginning of the American psychology schools of Gestalt, Behavioralism and Functionalism.
Significance
Overt and covert are two classifications of common behavior patterns. Overt is the way other people observe your behavior, while covert is within oneself, such as your thoughts, emotions and feelings. A behavioral therapist will help your child develop problem-solving skills to deal with the transitional changes throughout life. In school, she may have complications with homework, bullying and peer pressure. In addition, at home there may be changes, such as moving, divorce or a serious illness in the family. Learning to deal with the changes in a positive way might help reduce anxiety and emotional problems that may occur.
Signs
Noticing different behavioral patterns or changes in your child, such as stress, behavior, mood, sleep, appetite and problems in the area of academics or social functioning, is when to consider if behavior therapy might be beneficial for your child, according to KidsHealth. Children may present a myriad signs to show they need behavioral help and there is no clear-cut checklist. Younger children might start taking a step back in developmental delays, such as speech, language and toilet training. Teenagers may exhibit behavioral problems to include anger, eating disorders, significant drop in grades, and overly aggressive behavior to friends and family.
Types
Children can benefit from different types of therapy, such as individual, family and group. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps with emotions and stress by learning the techniques to restructure negative thoughts and channel positive thoughts. In addition, he will learn coping skills to overcome the stress triggers in the future. Psychoanalytical is generally useful for older children and adolescents while focusing more on in-depth analysis and “talk therapy” rather than short-term problem-solving approach, according to KidsHealth.
Misconceptions
Behavioral therapy is misconstrued as a type of therapy that is only about positive reinforcement and impersonal. The therapy does use positive reinforcement, but combines therapy with a variety of techniques, such as role playing, simulation, confrontation and counter-conditioning. In the book, “Behavioral Counseling: Cases and Techniques”, Carl E. Thoresen describes the misconception of a behavioral counselor and explains how the perception of the counselor is similar to an impersonal machine dispensing candy or the word “good” in a metallic voice.
Considerations
Finding the right behavioral therapist might be the most challenging part when seeking help for your child. Psychiatrist, psychologist and clinical social workers are trained to help children cope with behavioral issues and your physician may be able to recommend a specialist for your child. In some cases, a doctor may suggest medication to help treat your child cope with the symptoms of anxiety and depression while she is undergoing therapy sessions.
