{"id":1287,"date":"2013-06-06T09:34:46","date_gmt":"2013-06-06T09:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=1287"},"modified":"2026-03-28T11:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T16:14:25","slug":"multimodal-behavior-therapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/multimodal-behavior-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Multimodal Behavior Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_XpLwEsTepXc\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_XpLwEsTepXc\" data-source-videoID=\"XpLwEsTepXc\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Multimodal Behavior Therapy Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Multimodal Behavior Therapy\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_XpLwEsTepXc:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_XpLwEsTepXc {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1325-multimodal-behavior-theory-1.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_XpLwEsTepXc\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_XpLwEsTepXc\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Multimodal Behavior Therapy\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_XpLwEsTepXc\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_XpLwEsTepXc\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_XpLwEsTepXc\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction tKb_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"tKb\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"tKb_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"tKb\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#What_is_the_BASIC_I_D_Model\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">What is the BASIC I.D. Model?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Behavior\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Behavior<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Drugs_and_Biology\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Drugs and Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Affect\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Affect<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Sensation\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Sensation<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Imagery\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Imagery<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Cognition\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Cognition<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Interpersonal_Functioning\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Interpersonal Functioning<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Hi, and welcome to this video on multimodal behavioral therapy!<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_the_BASIC_I_D_Model\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>What is the BASIC I.D. Model?<\/h2>\n<p>\n<strong>Arnold Lazarus<\/strong> was a South African-born clinical psychologist and researcher who coined the term \u201cmultimodal behavioral therapy\u201d. The idea behind the term is built on the premise that we are all basic biological beings who think, smell, touch, experience emotions, and relate to others.<\/p>\n<p>Lazarus lists the modalities in the acronym BASIC I.D.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>B<\/strong>ehavior<\/li>\n<li><strong>A<\/strong>ffect (emotions)<\/li>\n<li><strong>S<\/strong>ensation (touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste)<\/li>\n<li><strong>I<\/strong>magery (thinking in pictures, self-image)<\/li>\n<li><strong>C<\/strong>ognition (thinking in words, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, thinking styles)<\/li>\n<li><strong>I<\/strong>nterpersonal (how we relate to others)<\/li>\n<li><strong>D<\/strong>rugs and biology (medications, substances, diet, exercise, general health, sleep)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Behavior\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Behavior<\/h2>\n<p>\nWe\u2019ll start with the first in the acronym: behavior.<\/p>\n<p>Behavior is defined as the way a person acts or conducts themselves, especially as they interact with other people. To assess behavior, the clinician may ask questions such as \u201cWhat is this person doing or not doing that is affecting daily living and relationships?\u201d, \u201cWhat behaviors do they need to stop or start?\u201d, and \u201cAre there any maladaptive behaviors, or self-defeating actions?\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The patient may reveal these answers even as they are first meeting and speaking with the therapist, as their behaviors may be the source of discomfort or the reason they are seeking care.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Drugs_and_Biology\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Drugs and Biology<\/h2>\n<p>\nDrugs and biology must be assessed, and this area is sometimes assessed first. This assessment will take into account the patient\u2019s health beliefs, as well as physical wellness. What do they believe about and do in regards to sleep, exercise, nutrition, weight, and alcohol and drug use, and are these habits considered \u201chealthy\u201d or not?<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Affect\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Affect<\/h2>\n<p>\nAffect can be defined as the way in which a person expresses themselves, such as \u201cShe has a sunny affect\u201d or \u201cHis affect comes across as flat, depressed, or angry\u201d. The clinician may assess the patient by asking themselves \u201cWhat emotions are predominant?\u201d, \u201cWhat generates negative reactions?\u201d, or \u201cHow does the person respond to questions and other interactions?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The patient themselves may reveal during interactions what triggers certain behaviors or moods.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Sensation\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Sensation<\/h2>\n<p>\nSensation can be defined as a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. To assess sensation, see what sensations are felt or experienced when the patient is subjected to certain stimuli, noting if they have any sensory complaints. Examples might include certain sounds they cannot tolerate, like nails on a chalkboard or the creak of a slow-closing door.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Imagery\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Imagery<\/h2>\n<p>\nTo assess imagery, ask the patient about their self-image, or if there is any imagery that is constant or that they can\u2019t easily dismiss. This can include flashbacks and\/or traumatic experiences.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Cognition\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Cognition<\/h2>\n<p>\nCognition is the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding. This can be assessed by discussion of the patient\u2019s values, beliefs, and opinions, and noting if there are any that are problematic, dysfunctional, or irrational.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Interpersonal_Functioning\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Interpersonal Functioning<\/h2>\n<p>\nInterpersonal functioning is how we interact and function with others. Who are the significant others in the patient\u2019s life? How do they interact with them? What does the patient want from relationships: what are their expectations, desires, and contributions?<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review<\/h2>\n<p>\nWhen a patient first presents with a complaint or a sign of distress, it will usually fall into one of these areas. This is a good starting point for clinicians to get to the root of the patient\u2019s problem, and then the other parts of the BASIC I.D. can be brought in as the patient and the clinician develop a rapport. <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/basic-i.d.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"\" height=\"\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-215971\"  role=\"img\" style=\"box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 3px gray;\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Before we go, here\u2019s a quick review question to test your knowledge:<\/p>\n<p>If a patient is triggered by loud noises and begins to rock and cry, which part of the behavioral multimodal BASIC I.D. is being affected?<\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style: upper-alpha;\">\n<li>Affect<\/li>\n<li>Imagery<\/li>\n<li>Cognition<\/li>\n<li>Sensation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you chose D, sensation, you are correct!<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for watching, and happy studying!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"citelist\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getselfhelp.co.uk\/mmt.htm\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cMultiModal Therapy | Get.gg &#8211; Getselfhelp.co.uk.\u201d n.d.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zurinstitute.com\/multimodal-therapy\/\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cMultimodal Therapy: A Primer, Article by Arnold Lazarus, Ph.D., ABPP.\u201d 2019. Zur Institute<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/counseling\/\">Return to Counseling Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Counseling Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":100408,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1287","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-counseling-videos","7":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","8":"page_type-video","9":"subject_matter-nursing"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1287"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1287\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":261919,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1287\/revisions\/261919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}