Which type of therapy focuses on understanding the causes of behavior to gain control over it?

Insight therapy is focused on understanding the underlying causes of behavior and emotional distress, often by exploring an individual's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This type of therapy encourages self-reflection and awareness, enabling clients to gain deeper insights into their behavior patterns and how these may relate to past experiences, relationships, or inner conflicts. By achieving this understanding, clients can gain a sense of control over their behaviors and begin to make changes that promote healing and personal growth.

In contrast, cognitive therapy primarily aims to change negative thought patterns to improve emotions and behaviors, which may not delve as deeply into the past or the causes of these thoughts. Behavior therapy focuses more on modifying specific behaviors without necessarily seeking to understand the underlying reasons for those behaviors, often employing techniques like reinforcement and conditioning. Humanistic therapy emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, focusing on the individual's subjective experience rather than the underlying causes of behavior specifically.