ABCs of Human Behavior

When behavior and cognitive therapy mixed into cognitive behavior therapies, largely during the 1980s, cognitive models became dominant and basic behavior principles were largely sidelined in clinical psychology curricula. Issues in cognition became the focus of case conceptualization and intervention planning for most therapists. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in learning theory, and basic behavior principles are once again becoming central in clinical practice. This is especially true in the new "third-wave" behavior therapies which begin to address areas of concern in the cognitive models. If you've been practicing for a while, classical behaviorism may not have been a major part of your clinical education. In order to broaden your understanding of learning theory and make the best use of the newer psychotherapies, you need to revisit basic behavioral principles from a practical angle. **The ABCs of Human Behavior** offers you, the practicing clinician, a solid and practical introduction to the basics of modern behavioral psychology. The book focuses both on the classical principles of learning as well as more recent developments that explain language and cognition in behavioral and contextual terms. These principles are not just discussed in the abstract--rather the book shows how the principles of learning apply in a clinical context. Practical and easy to read, the book walks you through both common sense and clinical examples that will help you use behavioral principles to observe, explain, and influence behavior in a therapeutic setting. "...a must read for clinicians and students from all theoretical backgrounds."

\--Christopher R. Martell, Ph.D., ABPP, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and psychology at the University of Washington and author of Depression in Context