What is Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a way that we can promote desirable behaviors in individuals and reduce unwanted behaviors from occurring. Behavioral therapy was first coined in the early 1900's, however, many changes and advancements have been made so that it can be successful in today's society. Behavioral therapy has proven to be very successful with individuals who have a neurodiversity diagnosis. This technique places a focus on factors being observable and measurable so that our own opinions and perceptions don't skew results.

While I have directly seen the amazing impact behavioral therapy has had on many individuals there is one aspect that I think needs more clarity. Our behavior can be directly observed and measured, but God is so beyond measure that in Psalm 90:2 it says "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING YOU ARE GOD." I don't know about you, but I can't seem to find a conversion chart for how much everlasting is…So I am going to make the conclusion that our God is beyond measure.

What does all this mean? How do we feel about behavioral therapy if it focuses on observable and measurable, but God can't be measured? Like I mentioned earlier, we use behavioral therapy to promote desirable behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors. The God I serve doesn't have any behaviors that need increased or decreased, Psalm 139:4 says "Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether." Behavioral therapy is for sinners like you and me that need help functioning in society and working towards becoming more like Christ.