Behavioral therapy describes a broad range of techniques used to change maladaptive behaviors. The goal is to reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones.

 

Behavioral therapy is based in the premise that the action or behavior is the problem.  When looking at behavior we must consider it in terms of reactive, as maladaptive behaviors often occur in response to a stimuli or situation.

 

The loudest for of non-verbal communication behavior conveys a message which otherwise 

cannot be expressed by the individual either due to a lack of communication skills or a heightened state which caused the individual to lash out in response to a negative stimuli.

 

Behavior Therapy looks at the behavior as the problem and the goal is to teach the individual new behaviors or coping mechanisms to minimize or eliminate the negative or maladaptive behavior with a positive one.