The science of psychology has long studied the deep interconnectedness of our thoughts and actions. It’s common for the importance of maintaining a positive outlook to be understated or relegated to ‘wishful thinking’. However, it’s been demonstrated that failing to maintain a positive outlook can lead to our falling into thought patterns that are harmful or ineffective. Unfortunately, many people allow negativity to take root in their lives. This can lead to the development of problematic habits and behaviors.
The Impact of Unhealthy Thought Patterns
Unhealthy thought patterns can lead to our exacerbating situations, making it challenging to overcome their distress. Constantly focusing on the problems that we’re facing can lead to our losing sight of the positive things in our lives. Further, they can create an expectation that every minor failure or setback will snowball. This kind of mindset makes it difficult to assess our struggles properly. This can impact our social lives and our emotional well-being and cause elevated stress levels that impact our overall health.
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a form of therapy that focuses on developing social skills and healthy modes of communication. It also takes steps to develop motor dexterity, hygiene, punctuality, self-sufficiency, and positive behaviors. These skills can help uplift our self-esteem, improve relationships, and aid us in keeping and maintaining employment.
Behavior therapy is often defined as a therapeutic process that strives to change “maladaptive cognitions” in a patient’s thinking. These maladaptive cognitions tend to exacerbate emotional distress and promote unhealthy behaviors. There are many forms these cognitions can take, including:
- Closely held beliefs
- Concept of how the world works
- Poor or inflated self-image
- Unrealistic perceptions of the future
Behavioral therapy uses techniques that alter these thought patterns, ease emotional trauma, and promote healthy behaviors instead of damaging ones. ABA can be used to assist people struggling with a broad range of mental health concerns. Among those that have been shown to respond positively to this treatment include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Sleep Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders
These represent a small portion of those mental health concerns that professionals can effectively treat with ABA. Studies have shown that children tend to respond quite well to behavioral therapy. The best results come when these practices are emphasized by the parents and supported by health professionals.
Contact Your Mental Health Specialist For More Information
There are numerous approaches taken to behavior therapy. A diverse range patients have benefited from these. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most well-known forms of behavioral therapy. Other methods include modeling, parent training, classroom management, and peer intervention. Schedule a consultation today if you want to learn more about behavioral therapy and how it can help overcome mental health challenges. Your mental health care professional will assess your concerns and determine if behavioral therapy is the right approach for you.