ap psych ch 16 therapy

clinical psychology

the area of psychology that integrates science and theory to prevent and treat psychological disorders

psychotherapy

a nonmedical process that helps individuals with psychological disorders recognize and overcome their problems

biological therapies (biomedical therapies)

treatments that reduce or eliminate the symptoms of psychological disorders by altering aspects of body functioning

emperically supported treatment

an approach to treating psychological disorders that advocates making treatment decisions based on the body of research that has shown which type of therapy works best

evidence based practice

integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of client characteristics, culture, and preferences

theraputic alliance

The relationship between the therapist and client—an important element of successful psychotherapy.

psychodynamic therapies

Treatments that stress the importance of the unconscious mind, extensive interpretation by the therapist, and the role of early childhood experiences in the development of an individual's problems

psychoanalysis

Freud's therapeutic technique for analyzing an individual's unconscious thoughts

dream analysis

a psychoanalytic technique for interpreting a person's dreams

transference

A client's relating to the psychoanalyst in ways that reproduce or relive important relationships in the individual's life.

humanistic therapies

Treatments, unique in their emphasis on people's self

client centered therapies

a form of humanistic therapy, developed by Rogers, in which the therapist provides a warm, supportive atmosphere to improve the client's self-concept and to encourage the client to gain insight into problems; also called rogerian therapy or nondirective therapy

reflective speech

a technique in which the therapist mirrors the client's own feelings back to the client

behavior therapies

Treatments, based on the behavioral and social cognitive theories of learning, that use principles of learning to reduce or eliminate maladaptive behavior.

systematic desensitization

A method of behavior therapy that treats anxiety by teaching the client to associate deep relaxation with increasingly intense anxiety

cognitive therapies

treatments emphasizing that cognitions (thoughts) are the main source of psychological problems and that attempt to change the individual's feelings and behaviors by changing cognitions

cognitive behavior therapy

A therapy that combines cognitive therapy and behavior therapy with the goal of developing self-efficacy.

Intergrative therapy

use of a combination of techniques from different therapies based on the therapist's judgement of which particular methods will provide the greatest benefit for the client

antianxiety drugs

drugs that reduce anxiety by making the individual calmer and less excitable; commonly known as tranquilizers

antidepressant drugs

drugs that regulate mood

lithium

The lightest of the solid elements in the periodic table of elements, widely used to treat bipolar disorder.

antipsychotic drugs

Powerful drugs that diminish agitated behavior, reduce tension, decrease hallucinations, improve social behavior, and produce better sleep patterns in individuals with a severe psychological disorder, especially schizophrenia.

electroconvulsive therapy

a treatment, sometimes used for depression, that sets off a seizure in the brain; also called shock therapy

deep brain stimulation

A procedure for treatment-resistant depression that involves the implantation of electrodes in the brain that emit signals to alter the brain's electrical circuitry.

psychosurgery

A biological therapy, with irreversible effects, that involves removal or destruction of brain tissue to improve the individual's adjustment.

group therapy

A sociocultural approach to the treatment of psychological disorders that brings together individuals who share a particular psychological disorder in sessions that are typically led by a mental health professional.

family therapy

group therapy with family members

couples therapy

group therapy with married or unmarried couples whose major problem lies within their relationship

cross cultural competence

a therapist's assessment of his or her abilities to manage cultural issues in therapy and the client's perception of those abilities

well being therapy

A short-term, problem-focused, directive therapy that encourages clients to accentuate the positive.