Final answer:
Behavior therapy stands distinct from psychodynamic and humanistic therapies in its focus on observable behavior and use of learning principles. Exposure therapies, utilized in behavior therapy, involve controlled exposure to feared stimuli to extinguish fear, while aversive conditioning pairs maladaptive behaviors with unpleasant stimuli to reduce them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic assumption of behavior therapy differs significantly from the assumptions of psychodynamic and humanistic therapies. While psychodynamic therapy, influenced by Freud's theories, focuses on the unconscious mind, early life experiences, and interpersonal relationships, behavior therapy is rooted in learning principles and is concerned with observable behavior. Humanistic therapy, particularly associated with Rogers, emphasizes the personal growth and self-actualization of the individual, assuming that people are inherently good and capable of self-healing.
Exposure therapies are based on the principle of classical conditioning and involve the systematic and controlled exposure to the feared stimulus until the fear response is extinguished. Common techniques include systematic desensitization, in which relaxation techniques are paired with the feared stimulus, and flooding, where the person is exposed to a high level of the stimulus right away. Aversive conditioning, on the other hand, uses an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the frequency of a maladaptive behavior. It's important to note that, due to ethical concerns, aversive conditioning is less commonly used today.