Find help through
Behavioural therapy
Scientific studies show that behavioural therapy is highly effective and achieves good treatment results, particularly in the case of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, compulsions or phobias. The field of behavioural therapy covers a whole spectrum of forms of psychotherapy.
At the MVZ for Psychotherapy in Cologne, experienced therapists are on hand to support you with various problems and work with you to find a solution.
Behavioral therapy – When help for self-help is needed…
In behavioural therapy, the focus is on helping people to help themselves. A particular focus here is on the conditions that maintain an illness. Our aim as psychotherapists is that, thanks to behavioural therapy, you learn certain methods to get a grip on behaviours that cause suffering and, as a result, to lead a happier, more carefree life on your own.
Do you have questions about
behavioural therapy?
We will be happy to help you. If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an e-mail. We will advise you free of charge.
When does behavioural therapy help?
For example: Fears after a car accident
If you are afraid of driving after a serious car accident, for example, we will work with you to find out exactly what keeps your fears alive and which avoidance behaviours prevent you from losing your fear. For example, no longer driving on the motorway or only driving in the company of others. Driving on the motorway could then be one of the therapy goals – after appropriate preparation.
Individualised disorder models, suitable healing methods
At the beginning of behavioural therapy, we work out your individual disorder and maintenance model in order to work specifically on the behaviours that need to be changed. We then suggest specific methods and support you in their implementation.
Treatment goals
- Behavioral therapy is designed to help reduce your psychological distress.
- Behavioral therapy helps you develop new coping strategies.
- During behavioral therapy, you will learn strategies to help you avoid relapses.
- Behavioral therapy helps you strengthen and reinforce your self-efficacy and independence.
Are you looking for
Therapy?
At the Odendahl & Brinkmann Psychotherapy Center in Cologne, you will be cared for by licensed psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, experienced educators, and experts from various fields. Our diverse team offers you exactly the support you need.
Our wide range of specializations sets us apart. With us, you’ll quickly find a reliable and competent professional to address your needs.
Q&A on the topic of behavioural therapy
Mental disorders are impairments in thinking, feeling or behaviour that can have a significant impact on everyday life. Behavioural therapy helps by identifying problematic behavioural patterns and thoughts and aims to replace them with healthier alternatives.
Behavioural therapy for depression helps patients to recognise and change negative thought patterns (‘cognitive distortions’). Techniques such as behavioural activation are used to promote positive activities that improve mood.
Yes, behavioural therapy is also a proven method for chronic depression. It helps patients to deal with symptoms in the long term and prevent relapses.
Behavioural therapy is used to reduce the fear of panic attacks. Techniques such as confrontation (exposure) help to gradually overcome panic situations until the symptoms subside.
Exposure therapy is a behavioural therapy technique in which patients gradually expose themselves to the situation or object that triggers anxiety in order to learn that the anxiety decreases the more often they are exposed to the situation.
Yes, behavioural therapy, in particular the method of exposure with response prevention (ERP), is one of the most effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Here, patients learn to resist compulsive behaviour and deal with the anxiety that arises.
The duration varies depending on the severity of the disorder, but can last from several months to a year or longer, depending on individual progress.
Behavioural therapy for PTSD helps to process traumatic experiences and mitigate the emotional and physical reactions to memories of the trauma. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy are particularly effective.
Yes, behavioural therapy can be used in most cases of PTSD, but must be adapted to the individual severity and specific symptoms.
In the case of eating disorders, behavioural therapy aims to change unhealthy thought patterns about food and one’s own body. It helps to develop healthy eating habits and break the vicious circle of binge eating or starvation.
Yes, behavioural therapy has proven to be particularly effective for binge eating disorders. Patients learn to recognise emotional triggers for binge eating and develop alternative coping strategies.
Behavioural therapy can help both children and adults with ADHD to cope better with symptoms through structure, time management and impulse control strategies. It also helps to promote behaviours that improve concentration and self-control.
In some cases, behavioural therapy alone can help, especially with mild forms of ADHD. In more severe cases, it can be used in addition to medication.
Behavioural therapy helps addicted patients to recognise behavioural patterns that promote addictive behaviour. They learn to replace these with healthier alternatives and regain control over their impulses.
Yes, behavioural therapy is successfully used for general life problems such as conflicts, self-esteem issues and decision-making insecurities. It helps to recognise and change negative thought patterns and behaviour.
Behavioural therapy helps patients to develop healthy strategies for coping with stress by helping them to identify stress triggers and learn techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation.
Yes, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most effective ways to treat sleep disorders. It helps to change negative thoughts and behaviours around sleep and promote healthy sleep habits.
Behavioural therapy can help patients to develop better communication and conflict resolution skills. It helps to recognise and change unhealthy patterns of behaviour in relationships.
Yes, behavioural therapy can also be used in couples therapy to overcome conflicts and strengthen the relationship.