Behavioural therapies are a group of therapeutic interventions that focus on identifying and changing potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviours. Based on the principles of behaviourism, a theory of learning which states that all behaviours are learned through interaction with the environment, these therapies are grounded in the belief that all behaviours are acquired and can therefore be changed. This type of therapy approach has proven highly effective in treating various mental health conditions.
Research supports the effectiveness of behavioural therapies in treating various psychological conditions and mental health issues. By focusing on the behaviour itself and the factors that maintain it, these therapies offer practical approaches to complex problems. The skills and strategies learned through behavioural therapies can provide lasting benefits, helping individuals to change their behaviours, empower individuals, and improve their quality of life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT as it is more generally known, is a popular model of psychotherapy that emerged when practitioners began to combine the theory and practice of two previously distinct — behavioural and cognitive — approaches. Widely researched, evidence has accumulated to indicate CBT's effectiveness as a mental health treatment in helping many people with a variety of psycho-social problems. Originally applied to treat depression and particularly anxiety disorder conditions, this "talking therapy" is also used in related conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with a variety of phobias, as well as in recovery from addiction.
CBT stands apart from other traditions such as psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy in that its focus is very much in the here and now. During each therapy session, it is a highly structured intervention, as opposed to adopting the more free-form approach of those models which look to make sense of and resolve the detrimental influence on the current life of the unconscious and the past. It grounds itself in realism and practicality. Central to the process is the active problem-solving, solution-finding collaboration between the mental health professional and client.
This approach posits that each of us hold several 'core beliefs' – things that we believe to be 100% true 100% of the time about ourselves or the world. These beliefs are built up through our experiences, and then alter how we perceive the things that happen to us in life. These beliefs can be helpful ("I am capable", "I am smart", "People are generally trustworthy") or harmful ("I am unlovable", "Nobody cares about me", "People will hurt you if you give them the chance"). By challenging negative thought patterns and harmful beliefs, and replacing them with helpful beliefs, we then change our way of perceiving and interacting with the world, ultimately resulting in reduced suffering from mental health challenges, and improving our overall life experience.
Often referred to as a "third-wave" psychotherapeutic approach, ACT builds on the concepts introduced by CBT but introduces the more modern concepts of awareness and mindfulness. By expanding and building on the principals of earlier behavioural therapies, ACT represents a relatively new approach to addiction and mental health that has gained attention over the past 20 years.
This therapy focuses on helping individuals take committed action aligned with their personal values.
This approach builds on the philosophical concept of stoicism, and essentially posits that our suffering in life is not caused by the events that happen around us, but by our perception of those events, and the thoughts and feelings that are associated with those perceptions. To go further, our mind is not often in the 'here and now' when we experience thoughts and emotions like sadness or anger in response to specific events – we are thinking about things that have or have not happened in the past, or that will or will not happen in the future. By learning to objectively observe our thoughts and reactions, radically accept reality for what it is without judgment, release the illusion of 'control' over circumstances, and remain mindful and present in the 'here and now', we can learn to reduce our suffering and improve our overall state of emotional wellbeing.
ACT ultimately encourages a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to one's internal experiences while promoting meaningful committed action aligned with personal core values. Through values clarification and cognitive defusion techniques, individuals learn to separate themselves from unhelpful thoughts and feelings. It is often used to address a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, and addiction.
DBT is a very skills-based therapeutic approach, focusing mainly on teaching distress tolerance skills, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and emotion regulation. These skills support patients in coping with overwhelming emotions without resorting to harmful coping strategies and responding with opposite action to build a repertoire of healthy coping strategies. DBT focuses particularly on helping treat individuals with borderline personality disorder and other complex mental health issues.
There is a strong emphasis in this therapy on a collaborative therapeutic relationship, with DBT therapists often coaching their clients in how to apply DBT skills in real-life situations. The skills training component teaches interpersonal effectiveness to improve relationships with others, while emotion regulation modules help individuals regulate emotions effectively. While DBT was originally designed to be used specifically with individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is now more widely utilised for other patients suffering from mood disorders, eating disorders, and suffering from addiction. The structure and skills-based nature of DBT makes it particularly helpful for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
DBT often combines individual therapy sessions with group therapy components. In group therapy settings, participants learn and practice skills together, building a supportive community while developing new coping strategies. The combination of individual and group work creates a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both personal challenges and interpersonal effectiveness.
Of course like everything at which we want to improve, practice is required until the new approach becomes almost second nature. Behavioural therapies often involve 'homework' or 'therapeutic assignments' that therapists task the patient with in order to practise and hone their new skills. These assignments help reinforce concepts learned during therapy sessions and promote real-world application of new strategies.
Like any change in belief, or change in behaviour, the strength and efficacy of behavioural therapies lies primarily in the motivation of the patient to make those changes. During your individual and group sessions, mental health professionals do not aim to tell patients what to do, only to provide them with the skills and tools they need to make choices that are in line with their vision for their best life. Whether you're seeking help for an anxiety disorder, working to treat depression, or addressing other mental health conditions, these evidence-based approaches offer proven pathways to recovery and improved wellbeing.
Ready to explore how behavioural therapies can help you overcome mental health challenges? Contact our experienced team of mental health professionals to discuss your treatment options and begin your journey toward lasting change.
