ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the steps involved in developing a behavior treatment program for an individual. Program development can be a relatively simple endeavor in some instances and a most complex one in others. Optimal success in behavior change endeavors can be realized only under the conditions of a highly individualized program which guides the experiences provided the individual. In planning the program, the long-range or terminal behavior goals must be organized into a series of discrete steps which begin with the present behaviors exhibited by the client. The target behavior will change frequently in the direction of the terminal behavior goal. The techniques used to influence the development of a new behavior or to influence the strength and consistency of a response pattern presently in the person's repertoire are based primarily on the principles of reinforcement. The final consideration becomes that of designing a behavior modification environment to promote the development of the terminal behavior goals.
