What intervention might a Behavioral therapist suggest to the wife who frequently consults her mother for decisions?

The suggestion to have the wife record how many times she speaks with her mother is rooted in behavioral therapy principles, which often emphasize observation and self-monitoring. This intervention allows the individual to gain insight into her behavior and the frequency with which she relies on her mother for decision-making. By systematically tracking these interactions, she can identify patterns in her behavior, which can lead to increased awareness and understanding of her dependency.

This self-monitoring technique is a foundational aspect of behavioral interventions, helping clients recognize behaviors they may want to change and providing a base for developing strategies to foster independence in decision-making. Overall, this approach aligns with the objective of behavioral therapy, which is focused on modifying observable behaviors through awareness and reinforcement rather than on internal emotions or family dynamics.