Psychology Behavior
According to psychological research, behavioral therapy is the treatment therapy that is based on the application of findings from behavioral science research (Butler, Chapman & Forman 2005). The major aim of this psychological therapy is to improve the quality of life for systems, individuals and families in the way they would prefer to change. The major assumptions of the therapy are that despite the significance of the past, the present is the most important in affecting the current behavior. Additionally, the therapy assumes that behavior is learned from the environment. The therapy seeks to improve self-control through the expansion of individual skills and abilities. It is also useful for the treatment of organic disorders, maladaptive behaviors and coping with challenging life situations. The success of this therapy is its ability to give the subjects the ability to take an active part in the treatment process administered in outpatient settings (Butler, Chapman & Forman 2005).
Cognitive therapy enables patients to correct self belief that can lead to negative moods and behavior. The assumption of the therapy is that mood is preceded by thought, which implies that learning to substitute negative thoughts with other healthier ones could improve the moods and behavior of a person, their self image and physical state (Wells 1997). This therapy is majorly effective in the treatment of depression.
Psychodynamic therapy majorly focuses on the unconscious processes that are manifested in the behavior of an individual. It goals are patient’s understanding and self awareness of the past behavior on the present through enabling the patients to examine unresolved conflicts that bring about past dysfunctional relationships and manifest themselves in the need and desire to abuse substances (Wells, 1997). This therapy has been applied to the treatment of several clinical disorders. It is the oldest of the modern therapies.
In my opinion, if I were working with offenders, behavioral therapy would be appropriate since it does not unearth past occurrences, but focuses on the present behavior and future expectations from an individual. If criminals are constantly reminded of their past behaviors, chances are that they could repeat the same offences.
References:
Wells A., (1997), Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: A Practice Manual and Conceptual Guide, Psychoz Publications, retrieved from http://www.psychotherapy.com.au/shop/book-store/human-and-clinical-issue/anxiety-panic-stress-management/cognitive-therapy-of-anxiety-disorders.html
Butler A. C., Chapman E. J. & Forman M. E., (2005), the empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses, Clinical Psychology Review, retrieved from http://johnjayresearch.org/cje/files/2012/08/Empirical-Status-of-CBT.pdf
