I for one have been against calling psychological professions by the umbrella name of "behavioral health." Somehow I have a hunch that the term "behavioral health" came into being because someone thought "mental health" or "psychological health" stigmatized people, and they have a point. People do get called "mental" or "psycho" as a put-down. But I find it demeaning to put the word "behavior" in there. It suggests that what's going on inside my head isn't important, just as long as I conduct myself the way others expect me to. And then thinking in those terms makes me feel like a naughty child being told to "behave."

On the other hand, I see nothing wrong with talking of "behavior therapy." I am beginning to see, and put into practice, that feelings are OK, but what we do with those feelings can be healthy or not. I think the whole idea behind psychotherapy is learning to deal with overwhelming emotions or thoughts, without resorting to an activity that harms self or others. I have to keep reminding myself that the word "behavior" isn't limited to describing the conduct of children. Adults "behave" too. So do animals. And in the movie Ghostbusters, even major household appliances "behave" a certain way, generally expected or not.

Does anyone think like I do on this subject? How can I get rid of that feeling of being scolded when I hear the term "behavioral health" applied?