Behavioral Therapist Job Description

Behavioral therapy is the science that defines and guides the behavior of human beings. Each person tends to give a different reaction to each situation or object. However, the behavior is within the set parameters of human tendencies. Some people go beyond these parameters and give reactions that are unacceptable by the society.

It includes extreme anger or violence, strong urge to do something (smoking or drugs), extreme sadness to the extent of suicides, etc. All these people are victims of mental aliments and hence tend to give negative reactions to seemingly small issues. Therefore, an expert is appointed to observe the behavior of the patients and provide them accurate treatments for the same. He is the behavioral therapist.

Here is a list of the responsibilities of the behavioral therapist.

Behavioral Therapist Responsibilities

• Observations - The therapists observe the behavior of the patient to deduce the nature of his illness. He asks him several questions or makes him go through certain situations to test his mental strength and decision making capacities. The therapist observes the patients and makes notes for evaluation.

• Analysis - The therapist evaluates the notes made while observing the patient. He judges his reaction time, resistance to quarrels, hyperactivity, anger, etc. He compares all the symptoms to deduce the nature of the mental condition, the patient is suffering from. This analysis is the basis for recommending the medicines.

• Counseling - Once the therapist identifies the mental aliments of the patients, the next challenge he faces is to make the patients aware of their conditions. Counseling involves communicating with the patients calmly and explaining them the nature of their condition, negative effects of the behavior, and the treatment methods.

• Treatments - Once the patient is encouraged to seek remedies, the therapist begins with his treatments. It includes suggesting diets and exercises, certain tips to control emotions, administering medicines, etc. During the treatment procedures, the patient's behavior and reaction to the treatment is judged and accordingly, further treatment course is determined.

• Emergency Management - The therapist shoulders the responsibility of handling distressed patients. They go through extreme emotions such as hyperactivity, anger, depression, fear, anxiety, etc. The therapist needs to deal with situations calmly and help the patient relax and face the problem.

Behavioral therapy is used in various mental aliments and behavioral issues. It includes following mental conditions: anxiety, mood disorders, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCB), phobias, addictions, etc.

Any person of any age group, gender, or social stature can fall a victim to these ailments. When a person suffers from any one of these conditions, his mental condition is unstable and he tends to give quick reaction.

Hence, the behavioral therapists are responsible to convince the patients about the negative impact of these aliments and help them come out of the condition as soon as possible.

If you aim to become a behavioral therapist, then you need to complete Bachelor�s Degree in Psychology or Counseling. To work as a full time therapist, it is vital that you complete Master's Degree or a PhD in related subjects as well.

Besides qualifications, you need to attain the requisite licenses and complete sufficient number of years of clinical experience to begin full time practice. Qualitative skills such as patience and communication skills are important for this profile.

Also, the ability to take situations in control and pacify the distressed patients is important for this profile. Depending upon your area of specialization, you can work for mental healthcare centers, hospitals, addiction centers, schools, private clinics, etc.

If you find the science of psychology intriguing, then we suggest you to go through the given behavioral therapist job description and use the information to determine the path of your career.