What's the Job Description of a Behavior Therapist?

<h3 id="section---WhatIsBehavioralTherapy">What is Behavioral Therapy?</h3> <p>Behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unwanted behaviors to address a variety of mental health disorders. The main goal of behavior therapy is to diminish unhealthy thoughts and behaviors by equipping patients with the mental tools to make better choices. These tools can help patients more effectively deal with challenges in their daily lives, including phobias, anxiety, and stress. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsABehavioralTherapist">What is a Behavioral Therapist?</h3> <p>A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/behavioral_therapist_certification_education_requirements.html">behavioral therapist</a> is a psychologist who helps patients with mental disorders ranging from depression and alcoholism to schizophrenia and autism. As a behavioral therapist, you'll work with patients to understand the difficulties, debilitating behaviors, and negative thought patterns they want to change. You'll also devise problem-solving methods, like psychotherapy, counseling, and homework assignments, to improve patients' quality of life. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Education Requirement</td><td> Depending on level; anything ranging from a high school diploma to a master's degree may be required</td></tr> <tr><td>Licensure</td><td> State licensure required from those in a clinical setting</td></tr> <tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td> Child, family and school social workers; social and human service assistants</td></tr> <tr><td>Key Skills</td><td> Compassion, communications skills, active-listening skills, patience, interpersonal skills</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---TypesOfBehavioralTherapy">Types of Behavioral Therapy</h3> <p>Although the overreaching goals of all behavioral therapists are the same - to provide care for their patients and facilitate personal growth in coping with unhealthy habits - therapists might choose to specialize in certain demographics or in particular therapeutic tools. For instance, one might choose to focus on: </p> <h4 id="section---CognitiveBehaviorTherapy">Cognitive-Behavior Therapy</h4> <p>Cognitive-behavior therapy teaches people to change their thinking and responses even if their situations don't change. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on the theory that an individual's thoughts can create specific emotions and reactions to situations. You can employ a variety of treatment methods, such as asking patients to think differently or challenge their unhealthy thoughts. In addition, you'll encourage your patients to tell you their wants and hypothesize their problems in achieving these goals. Then, you'll work to change patients' mindset with one-on-one consultations and homework assignments. This type of therapy is short-term; you may only see your patients for a few sessions. </p> <h4 id="section---DialecticalBehaviorTherapy">Dialectical Behavior Therapy</h4> <p>As a dialectical behavior therapist, you'll help patients with severe behavioral issues, including borderline personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, or self-harming behaviors. Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of cognitive-behavior therapy in which you work with patients in three ways: group therapy, one-on-one therapy, and at-home phone calls from therapists. Patients engage in therapy both in and outside of rehabilitation centers. </p> <h4 id="section---AppliedBehaviorAnalysis">Applied Behavior Analysis</h4> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/ABA_Therapist_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapists</a> use intervention techniques to help people with mental disorders engage in healthy response behavior. ABA is often used for autistic persons, including children who fall on the autism spectrum. As an applied behavior analyst, you'll teach parents, teachers, and others close to your patients to aid in changing their response behavior. You'll help patients learn the skills necessary for a successful life, apply those skills to new situations, and stop behaviors that may harm themselves or others. ABA patients typically create long-standing relationships with their therapists. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookAndSalaryInformation">Employment Outlook and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 267,730 jobs held by substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in May 2018. The projected job growth for this field is 23% from 2016-2026. </p> <p>The BLS reported the mean annual wage for such counselors in May 2018 was $47,920. Individuals employed by junior colleges earned the highest average salaries, $63,760 a year in 2018, per the BLS.</p>