L9 Psychological interventions

What is phrenology

the observation/measurement of skull shape to determine personality/mental traits

Define psychological interventions broadly

non-pharmacological approaches used to treat people with mental health problems to improve symptoms and functioning

What is the focus of psychological interventions

psychological and/or social factors

What do most forms of psychotherapy involve in terms of mechanisms

talking therapies, verbal communication between therapist and client

Roughly how many different psychological interventions are there

between 250-1000 different treatment models and techniques

What informs psychological interventions

theory = approaches and emphasis vary depending upon the theoretical models underpinning them

7 classifications for psychological interventions

behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic, systemic, motivational and social

What is the first rule of therapy, oath taken

do not harm

Name 5 psychological interventions

psychoanalysis, person-centred therapy, behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy and CBT

Who is the founder of psychoanalysis

Sigmund Freud

What does psychoanalysis concern

unconscious conflicts drive thoughts, feelings and behaviours

How are symptoms of psychoanalysis perceived

as manifestations of unconscious processes

What is the goal of psychoanalysis

to resolve distress by brining unconscious conflicts into awareness

Time frame of psychoanalysis sessions

open ended (not time limited)

How is change facilitated in psychoanalysis

through access to and interpretation of unconscious material

3 techniques used in psychoanalysis

free association, interpretations of dreams and transference

What is the technique of free association

client is encouraged to say whatever comes into their mind

What is the purpose of interpretations of dreams

to provide access to the unconscious

What is the technique of transference

understanding the influence of past relationships on current relationships

Influence of psychoanalysis on NHS

offers short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression

Nature of person-centred therapy approach

more humanistic and holistic

What is the focus of person-centred therapy

positive side of human nature

Founder of person-centred approach

Carl Rogers

How does psychological distress arise according to humanistic approach

when our human potential is disrupted

Approach of person-centred therapy

non-directive, client led

What environment needs to be created by therapists in person-centred therapy

safe and accepting

Aim of therapists in person-centred therapy

to foster client’s capacity to grow

3 core conditions that foster growth

empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard

What principles are behaviour therapy based on

behaviourism = measurement and treatment of observable behaviours

What does behaviour therapy NOT focus on

thoughts and feelings

Example of a behaviour therapy

systematic desensitisation

What is the cognitive approach to therapy

focus on the way people make sense and interpret events

2 key theories/theorists in cognitive paradigm shift in psychotherapy

Ellis – Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Beck (ABC model)

3 reasons why mental health problems result according to cognitive psychologists

irrational thinking, unhelpful beliefs, cognitive distortions

What is the aim of cognitive therapy

to change the way that people think (sense/interpret experiences)

What is the focus of cognitive therapy

conscious mental processes

3 techniques used in cognitive therapy

close questioning, listening and developing shared understanding

Structure of CBT sessions

time-limited

6 stages in CBT

(1) collaborative work, (2) set own goals, (3) assessment of problems, (4) formulation, (5) experiment, (6) independent management

What psychological intervention is the most researched and recommended

CBT

Compared to medication, CBT is more effective in what way

greater resistance to relapse

Which MH conditions are CBT more effective for than psychodynamic therapy

anxiety and depression

How are psychological interventions similar but different

similar in purpose but different in technique

Key common factor in psychological interventions

a trusting, collaborative relationship between client and therapist (key but not the only important factor)