Clinical Exam Key Ideas

Flashcards for reviewing main concepts in preparation for the final clinical exam.

Behavioral Therapy

Therapy focusing on observable behaviors and learning principles.

Humanistic Therapy

Therapy emphasizing empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Therapy exploring unconscious processes and past experiences.

Group/Family Therapy

Therapy involving multiple individuals to address relational patterns.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Therapy emphasizing present moment awareness and acceptance.

Cognitive Therapy

Therapy identifying and modifying negative thought patterns.

Genogram

A visual representation of a family's history and relationships.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences (reinforcement and punishment).

Classical Conditioning

Learning through associations.

Congruence

Authenticity and alignment between feelings and behavior.

Incongruence

A mismatch between one's feelings and behavior.

Transference

Unconscious redirection of feelings from one person to another.

Countertransference

Therapist's emotional reaction to the client.

Reinforcements

Consequences that increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishments

Consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Client-Therapist Relationship

The relationship between client and therapist

Key Ideas for Final Clinical Exam

Behavioral therapy:

-Main players:

B.F. Skinner developed operant conditioning; he focused on reinforcement and punishment as drivers of behavior.

John B. Watson - Founder of behaviorism; emphasized the study of observable behavior only.

Edward Lee, Thorndike - Introduced the Law of effect: behavior followed by observable behavior only.

-Main ideas:

Behavior is learned, not innate.

Focuses only on observable behavior, not internal mental states.

All behaviors are shaped by environmental contingencies (stimulus-response patterns.)

-Main interventions:

Classical Conditioning

Passive form of learning via association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Exposure therapy is based on this model: clients are gradually exposed to anxiety-provoking stimuli to unlearn fear responses.

Operant conditioning

Active learning through consequences.

Uses reinforcement ( to increase behavior) and punishment (to decrease behavior).

Behavior is shaped by contingencies (if - then patterns of reward/punishment).

Systematic desensitization:

Combine exposure to feared stimulus with relaxation training (counterconditioning)

Used for phobias and anxiety disorders

Token Economics

Behavior management system using symbolic rewards (e.g, points, stickers) that can be exchanged for a reward.

Humanistic therapy

-Main players:

Carl Rogers - developed client-centered therapy.

Abraham Maslow - Known for the Hierarchy of Needs and the concept of self-actualization.

-Main ideas:

Emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and free will.

People are inherently good and motivated toward self-actualization

Psychological problems occur when there is an incongruence between one’s real self and ideal self.

-Main intervention:

Client-Centered Therapy ( Rogers):

The therapist provides unconditional positive regard (nonjudgmental support), empathy, and congruence (genuineness).

Emphasis on active listening. Paraphrasing and helping clients explore feelings.

Focus is on the here-and-now, not past experiences.

Psychodynamic therapy

-Main players:

Sigmund Freud – Founder; emphasized unconscious conflicts and psychosexual stages.

Carl Jung – Introduced the concept of the collective unconscious and archetypes.

Alfred Adler – Focused on inferiority/superiority complexes and social context.

-Main ideas:

Behavior is influenced by unconscious motives and early childhood experiences.

Psychological symptoms are a result of unresolved internal conflicts.

Emphasis on defense mechanisms, such as repression or denial.

-Main intervention

Free Association – Client speaks freely to uncover unconscious material.

Dream Analysis – Interpreting the symbolic content of dreams.

Transference – Client projects feelings about significant others onto the therapist.

Countertransference – Therapist’s emotional response to the client (can be helpful or problematic).

Insight-oriented, long-term process.

Group/family therapy

-Main players

Irvin Yalom - Pyschiatrist and author developed an existential, interpersonal approach to group therapy. Known for identifying key “therapeutic factors” that make group therapy effective.

-Main ideas

Group therapy creates a microcosm of real-world relationships, allowing individuals to explore patterns of behavior in a safe setting.

Healing occurs through interpersonal learning, shared experiences and honest feedback.

Group dynamics can mirror family or social systems, revealing core issues and opportunities for growth.

Yalom’s 11 Therapeutic Factors:

Instillation of hope – Seeing others improve inspires members to believe in their own progress.

Universality – Realizing one is not alone in struggles.

Imparting information – Learning about mental health, coping skills, and the group process.

Altruism – Helping others can increase self-worth and shift focus outward.

Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group – Group interactions re-enact family dynamics, allowing for new, healthier experiences.

Development of socializing techniques – Practicing interpersonal skills in a supportive environment.

Imitative behavior – Members may model behavior after others, including the therapist.

Interpersonal learning – Gaining insight into one's behavior and how others perceive it.

Group cohesiveness – A sense of belonging and acceptance that promotes openness.

Catharsis – Emotional release through sharing.

Existential factors – Confronting basic life issues (e.g., death, freedom, isolation) with honesty and support.

-Main intervention

Facilitated group discussions and interpersonal feedback.

Therapist fosters a safe and open environemnt for emotional risk-taking.

Emphasis on the “here and now” - present interactions in the group are explored in real time.

Members encouraged to give and receive feedback, increasing self-awareness and relational effectiveness.