BACK TO THE FUTURE - THE CONTINUED RELEVANCE OF BEHAVIOR-THEORY TO MODERN BEHAVIOR-THERAPY

Although modern behavior therapy has become increasingly cognitive, em pirically validated behavior and cognitive behavior therapies continue to be firmly based on modern learning theory. The relation between be havior theory and behavior therapy is critical to the continued advanc ement of behavior therapy in the modern era of radical changes within the mental health care system. Of particular relevance to the continue d success of behavior therapy is behavior analysis. Not only is behavi or analysis a direct, applied extension of behavior theory, but it is also a highly practical and effective approach for understanding, expl aining, and modifying verbal behavior, behavioral trajectories, and th e contextual factors that contribute to, and maintain, maladaptive beh aviors.