Psychotherapy Lecture Notes

These flashcards focus on important definitions, concepts, and distinctions covered in the psychotherapy lecture, aiding in exam preparation.

What is the main focus of psychotherapy?

The main focus is a collaborative process between therapist and client aimed at co-constructing solutions to life's tasks, involving both parties in the therapeutic venture.

How do counseling and psychotherapy differ?

Counseling is generally short-term, addressing surface issues and conscious thoughts, whereas psychotherapy is long-term, focusing on deep-seated issues and unconscious processes.

What did Sigmund Freud contribute to psychotherapy?

Freud provided the first comprehensive theory of psychotherapy, emphasizing the unconscious, intrapsychic forces, and sexuality, which changed perceptions of human nature.

What is integrative counseling and psychotherapy?

Integrative counseling combines elements from different theories to form a core theoretical approach, contrasting with eclecticism, which is considered counterintuitive.

What are the key factors determining whether a practitioner practices counseling or psychotherapy?

Factors include client expectations, setting support, helper's comfort level, available time, client-helper fit, the helper's own issues, and beliefs about the effectiveness of approaches.

What is the ethical purpose of professional codes like the APA's?

These codes protect consumers, promote professional maturity, guide behaviors, aid in ethical decision-making, and serve as defense measures in malpractice cases.

What is an example of a legal issue faces by professionals in psychotherapy?

Refraining from making a diagnosis to protect a client's rights is a key legal issue.

What are some common boundary issues in counseling?

Examples include attending a client's personal events, hugging a client, and engaging in dual relationships.

What is the significance of informed consent in psychotherapy?

Informed consent ensures clients understand the evaluation process, confidentiality, and potential risks while allowing them the right to withdraw at any time.

Name one strategy that helps build rapport in counseling.

Restating and paraphrasing the client's feelings enhances understanding and rapport.

What are the core conditions for effective counseling and psychotherapy?

Core conditions include empathic understanding, respect, genuineness, warmth, and patience.