Behavioral group therapy was founded on the idea that human behavior is learned. Thus, maladaptive behaviors can be replaced by new, socially appropriate behaviors. Behavioral therapy groups incorporate classical behavioral therapy treatment principles rooted in classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and modeling and apply them in a group setting with the aim of encouraging group members to make positive behavioral changes. Behavioral group therapists focus on teaching, modeling, and applying scientific ways of thinking to group therapy.

Historical Perspective

Behavioral therapy emerged during the 1950s and 1960s as an alternative to psychoanalytic treatment approaches. John B. Watson, widely considered the founder of behavioral therapy, emphasized the application of scientific principles to psychology. In a behavioral therapy approach, assessment and evaluation procedures are used to address and monitor behaviors ...

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