ur?” Therapy attempts to eliminate maladaptive behaviours through the acquisition of more adaptive responses. There is dynamic interaction between therapist and client and directed work on the part of the client. The client determines the objectives of therapy. Aversion therapy lessons the attractiveness of a particular stimuli and behaviours that are personally or socially harmful through conditioning (Weiten, 1995). Systematic desensitization (Wolpe, 1990) reduces anxiety by conditioning the client to respond positively to stimuli that previously aroused anxiety. Social skills training is used to teach the client new behaviours aimed at enhancing the quality of their interaction with others. (Weiten, 1995). In short behavioural therapy focuses on the main problem without attempting to uncover unconscious processes. It is empirically based, problem oriented, directive and structured (although it does not have a structure of personality). The client controls what, the therapist controls how (Corsini & Wedding, 1995).Advantages: - Can help in changing behaviours without the need to understand them.- Rapid change is possible, therefore a more plausible option for government funded therapy.- There is ample evidence attesting to the effectiveness of behaviour therapy (Liberman & Bedell, 1989; Rachman & Wilson, 1980)Disadvantages:- Narrow reductionistic view that does not encompass cognitive activity.- Highly dependent on consistency which is not always realistic in clinical settings. (web address:-courses.washington.edu)Common Factors of Psychotherapy Models: White western education oriented men developed both models (although Melanie Klein was influential in modern psychoanalysis). This has direct impact concerning applicability to other cultures and to ethnic groups in Western society. Because of cultural, language and access barriers, therapeutic services are under-utilised by ethnic minorities in America as institutions ha...
