Behavior Therapy Associates, P.A.

35 Clyde Road, Suite 101, Somerset, NJ 08873

732-873-1212 (phone) – 732 873 2584 (fax)

What is Behavior Therapy?

Broadly stated, behavior therapy is based on principles of behavior that have been scientifically identified and established. Research has shown that as we practice new behaviors in response to familiar emotions or situations, our brain's physical structure actually changes. We develop new neural pathways and, with repetition, the new behavior becomes an automatic response. Behavior Therapy is used to help people change their behavior in ways they would like to change. It was first identified in the 1950’s, more clearly articulated as a treatment approach in the 1960’s, refined in the 1970’s, expanded in the 1980’s, and is currently recognized as the “gold standard” for a wide range of problems. Behavior Therapy has two variations which are part of its current treatment approach: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

CBT places its primary emphasis on cognitions (i.e., thoughts). Dysfunctional thoughts, sometimes referred to as private speech, self-talk, or attitudes are at the heart of emotional upset such as anxiety, depression, anger and guilt. These upsetting emotions produce a chain reaction of self-defeating behaviors which in turn may create more dysfunctional thoughts. CBT has a wealth of scientific research documenting its effectiveness with children, adolescents, adults and couples.

ABA is an approach which was developed in the late 1960’s and is characterized by a careful analysis of the challenging behavior within the current environmental context. The analysis is then directly linked to a behavior intervention plan so as to produce healthy, more adaptive ways of responding to situations. The ABA approach has been used widely with children with autism spectrum disorders and other problems of a developmental nature.