What is one characteristic of behavior therapy?

Behavior therapy is centered on the principle that observable behaviors are the primary focus of treatment, rather than internal thoughts, past experiences, or subconscious desires. The emphasis is placed on identifying specific, measurable behaviors that can be modified through a variety of interventions, such as reinforcement, punishment, or skills training. This approach operates on the belief that by changing maladaptive behaviors, emotional problems can also improve.

The characteristic of observable behavior changes aligns with the way behavior therapists assess progress and effectiveness through measurable outcomes. For instance, a therapist might track the frequency of a specific behavior before, during, and after a treatment intervention to evaluate improvements.

Other options such as focusing on past experiences or exploring dreams and desires are more characteristic of psychodynamic therapy and humanistic approaches, respectively. The use of medication may be a component of some therapeutic practices but is not a defining feature of behavior therapy itself. Thus, the focus on observable behavior changes clearly defines the core characteristic of behavior therapy.