What is a primary focus of a Behavioral family therapist when creating a treatment plan?

A primary focus of a Behavioral family therapist when creating a treatment plan is establishing long- and short-term goals. This approach is rooted in behaviorism, which emphasizes observable behaviors and the application of reinforcement and consequences to bring about change.

In behavioral therapy, having clear, measurable goals is essential because it allows both the therapist and the family members to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment as needed. By defining these goals, therapists can foster accountability and provide motivation for family members to work towards specific behavioral changes. This structured approach helps clarify what outcomes the family desires and sets a clear path for reaching those outcomes, making it a foundational element in the treatment plan.

While emotional expression, identifying family roles, and improving communication are important aspects of family therapy, they are not primary focuses of the behavioral approach. Behavioral therapists concentrate more on modifying behaviors through specific interventions rather than exploring emotions or interpersonal dynamics in depth initially.