Explore techniques, theories, and therapy use cases for behaviorism in psychology. This highly-specialized approach focuses on observable actions & behaviors, which are often inherited from our personal environments. The approach originally emerged in 1913 through notable psychologists like Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, Edward Lee Thorndike, and B. F. Skinner. Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates (BHBA) continues to follow these principles in combination with evidence-based treatments like DBT, CBT, and PE. Established in 2003, this NYC-based private practice has applied these methods to address debilitating phobias, trauma, PTSD, and substance use disorders (SUDs). For adolescents, our team specializes in behaviorism for explosive children & kids on the autism spectrum. Read on for insights and resources on behaviorism psychology for New York City families, parents, and individuals.
How BHBA Integrates Behaviorism Techniques
At Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates, our approach combines behaviorism with evolutionary attachment theory to repair and strengthen damaged relationships. Founder Dr. Belinda Bellet brings over 35+ years of clinical experience in dynamic interventions & evidence-based modalities. With a team of DBT-certified therapists (DBT-LBC), psychologists (PsyD), and licensed social workers (LMSW/LCSW), we specialize in addressing complex behaviors and connections. Sessions emphasize techniques for self-control, healthy modeling, and positive reinforcement. Additional goals may focus on thought modification, stress management, and perception regulation.
“Finding in-the-moment tools for co-regulation can feel like the biggest hurdle. I find I invariably teach the same core set of evidence-based techniques that provide immediate help during difficult moments.” – Dr. Belinda Bellet, Ph.D., DBT-LBC Certified Clinician
Build meaningful skills through training, exposure, restructuring, and in-depth questioning. We’ve used modern behavioral approaches to support personalized treatment plans for mental health, developmental, and substance abuse disorders. Our approach is designed to strengthen emotional regulation, coping mechanisms, and problem-solving abilities, while correcting problematic habits. Fill out the form below, email us at Intakes@BHBehavioralAssociates.com, or call (718) 522-5600 to schedule a private & confidential 15-minute assessment.
Classical vs. Operant Conditioning
Classical and operant conditioning describe how healthy or problematic behaviors are originally learned. Classical conditioning involves responding to a particular stimulus in a way that’s not naturally associated. This is commonly found with a fear of loud noises, doctor’s office anxiety, or alarm clock dread. Treatment for these experiences needs to address associated emotions like fear, stress, or anxiety.
Operant conditioning involves actions that are tied to previous experiences or perceived consequences. These mannerisms are most commonly found with workplace performance rewards, traffic rules, or positive parenting reinforcement. To address these habits, clinical teams integrate systems to reward healthy actions and instill valuable coping mechanisms.
Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates specializes in high-risk cases & patterns that involve a combination of both frameworks. Our approach addresses triggers, symptoms, and consequences together to accurately identify & resolve established behaviors.
Positive & Negative Reinforcement
Advanced treatment methods integrate thoughtful systems for positive and negative reinforcement. B.F. Skinner originally developed customized schedules designed for learning, persistence, and ongoing motivation. For initially teaching new skills & building positive connections, a continuous reinforcement model is ideal. Partial reinforcement supports more realistic, daily life – where we’re encouraged to keep trying, growing, and improving. Your therapist will target specific actions, outcomes, and healthy emotions to reinforce – backed by rewards that align with your values. This approach continues to build self-esteem, empowering learning environments, and healthy therapist-client relationships.
Professional programs are designed to facilitate a supportive, judgement-free, and encouraging environment. Negative punishment & consequences can lead to unnecessary fear, anxiety, and frustration. This style reduces the potential for trust, transparency, and the potential for true change. To improve your journey, experience, and outcomes, work with behavioral therapists that encourage immediate & consistent reinforcement.
Programs For Trauma, Anxiety, & OCD
Compare dedicated programs to identify, modify, and replace complex actions. Before building a personalized plan, our team explores past experiences, current challenges, and underlying emotions. Collaboratively, we establish clear goals, prioritize skills, and target specific routines.
Behavioral management in NYC is designed to support a diverse range of conditions, concerns, & challenges:
- Anxiety: Explore exposure-focused exercises for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobias, panic attacks.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: We promote new learning, reduce distress, and identify triggers to traumatic memories. DBT-PE can manage intense emotions & co-occurring symptoms for meaningful relief.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Address unwanted thoughts, doubts, and fears. Your plan may include gold-standard treatments like DBT & ERP.
- Addiction & Substance Use: Collaborative problem solving exercises for regulating emotions, reducing irritability, and prioritizing a new lifestyle.
- Depression: Support for persistent (PDD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), along with experienced support for bipolar, seasonal affective, and postpartum depression.
Replace unhealthy mannerisms, improve quality of life, and confidently manage daily challenges with evidence-based methods.
What Your First Session May Look Like
Once you understand goals, targets, & approach, think about what your first session may look like. At BHBA, your experience starts with a fully-confidential, 15-minute intake assessment. Openly discuss goals, preferences, and needs to see if we’re a strong fit. After this introductory call, schedule a time to meet one-on-one with a licensed & experienced therapist. Specialists first take time to identify the underlying causes & origins of these inappropriate actions. Pinpoint triggering situations that lead to aggression, attention/focus deficit, or overwhelming sensory stimulation. Then, you can establish a clear plan to effectively correct these mannerisms, often without negative punishments or consequences. The approach looks beyond reactive strategies to implement in-the-moment. Instead, build valuable skills & coping mechanisms to proactively prevent these situations long-term. Measure growth & progress through ongoing session data, direct observations, as well as your individual confidence.
Week-to-week, here’s the structure your meetings will typically follow:
- Check-In: Talk about your behaviors, progress, and changes throughout the week. Establish an agenda and set up targets for the session.
- Action Plan Review: Review how your previous session’s action plan & homework went. If you’re keeping notes logged in a journal, you’ll walk through everything together.
- Counseling & Therapy: Utilize behaviorism techniques to breakdown complex problems, situations, and experiences. Look at recent events and explore how your reaction, emotions, and thoughts impacted the outcome.
If you have additional questions on adult or child behavioral therapy in NYC, speak with a licensed mental health specialist at BHBA.