Behavioral therapy can be a game-changer for your recovery, whether you struggle with addiction, a mental health condition, or both. Harmful thought and behavior patterns are often at the core of addiction and can worsen mental health disorders. A behavioral therapy program can relieve you from conditions like anxiety and ADHD by teaching you how to change the behaviors that keep you stuck.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand how challenging it can be to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that have been with you for many years. Our therapists are experienced in multiple behavioral therapy techniques and can guide you through disrupting negative behavior patterns to experience positive change. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how our behavioral therapy for ADHD and anxiety can help you lead a more satisfying life.
What Is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral therapy helps identify undesirable behaviors and replace them with preferred behaviors. Behavioral therapies are action-oriented rather than delving deeply into the mind, like psychoanalysis. Positive change is the primary goal.
There are several types of behavioral therapy, each with its techniques. Two common behavioral therapies are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used types of behavioral therapy as it is appropriate for most situations. It offers a combination of behavioral and talks therapy strategies to help you make the connection between your thoughts and behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy, like CBT, DBT, also merges cognitive and behavioral techniques. DBT is focused on emotional regulation, making it ideal for those who struggle with powerful negative emotions.
If you enroll in treatment for addiction or a mental health condition, the chances are high that your therapist will use cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy with you.
Commonly Used Techniques of Behavioral Therapy
Within the different types of behavioral therapy are various techniques chosen based on your situation. Once your therapist knows your needs, they can choose which method to use during your sessions. Some techniques of behavioral therapy are most suitable for particular mental health conditions.
Behavioral Therapy for ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can greatly interfere with your productivity since you may struggle with attention and focus.
Behavioral therapy for ADHD may employ techniques such as:
- Positive reinforcement – A token system can be developed where a client receives a reward for staying on task and completing tasks that are usually challenging due to lack of focus.
- Cognitive modification – ADHD can cripple a person’s productivity through perfectionism and procrastination. By modifying their beliefs, people can feel empowered to begin and follow through on tasks without the need for perfection.
Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating to a person’s life, leading them to avoid situations that trigger their symptoms. Avoidance may be so powerful in some individuals that they cannot leave their homes or maintain a job due to intense anxiety and fear.
Behavioral therapy for anxiety may include the following techniques:
- Flooding involves immersing a person in an anxiety-provoking situation without a way to remove themselves from it, so they face their fears head-on.
- In systematic desensitization, a therapist may have you list anxiety-provoking situations from least to greatest sensation. They will help you move up the scale slowly and guide you through relaxation exercises to reduce your anxiety while contemplating these situations.
With the help of behavioral therapy techniques, you no longer have to let a mental health condition hold you back from achieving your goals. These conditions can be managed effectively with the right combination of behavioral and holistic therapies, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston: Offering Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and ADHD
Learning how to manage mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD is more than taking medication to alleviate symptoms. Behavioral therapy is a critical component of any treatment program so that you can learn the impact your thoughts and behaviors have on your day-to-day experience. Reach out to us at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how behavioral therapy can help you achieve the life you want despite a mental health disorder.
