Therapeutic Approaches Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts and techniques from various therapeutic approaches.

Psychodynamic Therapy

A form of talk therapy emphasizing the unconscious mind and resolving forgotten childhood events.

Free Association

A technique popularized by Freud, where individuals talk without censoring thoughts to uncover repressed memories.

Dream Interpretation

A technique in psychodynamic therapy that looks for hidden meanings in dreams to reveal unconscious conflicts.

Humanistic Therapy

A psychological approach that focuses on individual potential and stresses the importance of self-actualization.

Self-Actualization

The complete realization of one’s potential and full development of abilities and appreciation for life.

Unconditional Positive Regard

A technique in humanistic therapy involving the therapist accepting the individual without judgment.

Biomedical Therapy

A treatment that alters brain chemistry with drugs or affects its circuitry with methods like electroconvulsive shock.

Anti-Anxiety Drugs

Medications designed to reduce anxiety by decreasing sympathetic nervous activity.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment used for severe depression or bipolar disorder involving brief electrical stimulation of the brain.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapy combining cognitive and behavior therapy to change maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.

Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

A form of cognitive therapy that identifies and challenges irrational beliefs to change thought patterns.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral therapy technique involving gradual exposure to fears while learning relaxation techniques.

Token Economy

A conditioning system where patients earn tokens for desired behaviors to be exchanged for rewards.

Projective Tests

Personality tests that assess responses to ambiguous images to reveal unconscious thoughts or emotions.

Hypnosis

A trance-like state with increased attention and suggestibility, sometimes used to pinpoint repressed memories.