What concept refers to using previous behavioral patterns to initiate change?

The concept that refers to using previous behavioral patterns to initiate change is reinforcement learning. This approach emphasizes understanding how behaviors are developed and changed through the consequences they produce. In reinforcement learning, individuals learn to associate specific behaviors with positive or negative outcomes, which can either encourage or discourage those behaviors in the future. This method is grounded in behaviorism, where past experiences guide future actions, leading to more adaptive behaviors as individuals seek to repeat outcomes that were previously rewarding and avoid those that were not.

Cognitive restructuring, on the other hand, focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns rather than directly working with previous behaviors. Behavioral modification involves applying specific techniques to alter undesirable behaviors, often through reinforcement or punishment, but the emphasis is not solely on learning from past experiences. The therapeutic alliance pertains to the relationship between therapist and client, which is crucial for the effectiveness of therapy, but again, it does not specifically involve leveraging past behavioral patterns for initiating change.