Question

After jeff is expelled from school for skipping too many classes, he seeks help from a therapist. the therapist develops a contract that specifies that if jeff attends all of his classes, he will be allowed certain privileges at home. but if he skips classes, he will be subject to certain penalties. jeff's therapist is probably a ________ therapist.

Answer 1

Jeff's therapist is probably a behavioral therapist. Behavioral therapists frequently utilize contracting to reinforce positive behaviors and eliminate maladaptive behaviors. The contract is a type of operant conditioning. Behavioral therapy based on trying to remedy specific behaviors rather than gaining insight into those behaviors. This type of therapy is well suited for specific behavioral issues.