Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates a behavioral approach to therapy?

• A. A therapist asks a client to discuss their dreams to gain insight into their subconscious mind.
• B. A therapist helps a client identify and challenge irrational thoughts about their self-worth.
• C. A therapist encourages a client to explore unconscious childhood memories to understand current relationship issues.
• D. A therapist uses systematic desensitization to help a client overcome a fear of spiders by gradually exposing them to spider-related stimuli.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core principle of the behavioral approach to therapy, which focuses on modifying observable behaviors through learning principles such as conditioning, rather than exploring unconscious thoughts or feelings.
2. Step 2: Identify that behavioral therapy often uses techniques like systematic desensitization, exposure therapy, or reinforcement to change maladaptive behaviors.
3. Step 3: Review each scenario and determine whether it emphasizes behavior change through conditioning or focuses on internal mental processes like thoughts, dreams, or unconscious memories.
4. Step 4: Recognize that discussing dreams or exploring unconscious memories aligns more with psychoanalytic or psychodynamic approaches, while challenging irrational thoughts aligns with cognitive therapy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the scenario involving systematic desensitization and gradual exposure to feared stimuli best exemplifies the behavioral approach, as it directly targets behavior modification through learned responses.