Whats the Difference?
Behavior Therapy vs. Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Background and Definition
Behavior Therapy: assumes all behavior is learned from the environment and symptoms are acquired through classical and operant conditioning. This theory feels that all behavior is learned and that it can also be unlearned
CBT: assumes that are thoughts and feelings influence our behavior. We cannot control the world around us, but we can control how we deal with the things in our environment.
Although these two therapies are often used separately for treatment, they can combined in some instances to help therapists encourage their clients to try new behaviors and not to allow negative rewards dictate the ways in which they act.
Treating procrastination
REBT, and form of CBT, is a good way to treat procrastination. Rational emotive behavior therapy focuses on our thinking, mostly irrationally, and how it shapes our feelings and actions. The therapist may use this treatment to help the client develop a plan of action to change their habits of procrastination. The following is what the therapist may attempt;
- Make the client aware of their habit and how procrastination is troubling them.
- Develop goals to help correct the behavior in order to carry out the tasks that require attention. The goal will need to be reasonable and manageable.
- Have the client make a commitment that they are willing to carry out the hard work that will be necessary to achieve their goal.
- Be persistent that the client stays determined and encourage them to carry out their goals.
(Pychyl, 2008)
Reference: Pychyl, T. (2008, May 29). Tackling Procrastination: A Practical Counseling Approach. Retrieved March 9, 2015, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200805/tackling-procrastination-practical-counseling-approach