Behavioral Activation
Below are links to descriptions of common types of therapy that may help you match your patient with an effective treatment.
Now that you have learned about several types of professional psychological therapies, go on to the next section to learn about behavioral treatments patients can undertake on their own.
Behavioral activation (BA) therapy treats disordered actions as the source of depression. Multiple randomized studies have demonstrated that patients respond well to this type of time-limited therapy (Cuijpers). Patients draw up contracts with themselves and their therapists as a way of returning to pleasurable activities.
Patients who lack interest in activities that they previously enjoyed may be good candidates for this type of therapy. Also patients who prefer structured approaches to treating their depression.
After a limited number of sessions, patients typically notice an improvement in mood as well as a gradual return to activities and relationships that they previously enjoyed.
For more information, visit the external website of Christopher Martell, Ph.D., a national expert in treating patients with BA.