differences between theories/models

Brief therapies

Focus = targets specific, future and current problems, behaviours or symptoms

Duration = short term

Therapists role = helps client find quick targeted solutions

Primary goal = Remediating a specified psychological or social dysfunction in a limited time

Person centred Therapy

Focus = the client's self-discovery and internal resources.

Duration = client determines pace

Therapist role = there to listen and create a safe, supportive environment for client to lead

Primary goal = Facilitating self-actualization by helping the client discover their own solutions.

Behavioural Therapy

Focus = identifying and changing observable, measurable, and learned behaviours through different techniques 

Duration = tends to be brief and focused on altering specific behaviour 

Therapist role = coach or teach/ help client to unlearn problematic behaviours (maladaptive) and learn new ones (adaptive) 

Primary goal = Eliminating or enhancing specific, observable behaviours to improve a person's functioning.

Recovery oriented practice 

Focus = An individual's journey toward a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life, even with ongoing symptoms of a mental illness.

Duration = ongoing, focuses on the person journey rather than the cure 

Therapist's role = A partner and coach who empowers the individual by building on their strengths and skills.

Primary goal = Empowering the individual to build a meaningful, hopeful, and successful life.

socioecological view

Focus = The interconnectedness of an individual and their environment. It addresses mental health at multiple levels: individual, interpersonal, organizational/institutional, community, and policy)

• helps practitioners to consider a clients broader context

Goal = To provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence health and well-being.

Define mental health

WHO definition: A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his/her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life”

5 common factors used to identify/define mental health status

• Presence of low mood

• Nature of social interactions

You can use the mental status exam to help assess a person’s mental health at any given point in time

• General appearance

• Speech style and focus

define common factors

are components of therapy that are associated with positive outcomes and are shared by all effective therapy models.

• example is strategic processes (providing feedback and teaching techniques to clients)

dual continuum

• incorporates both mental health and mental illness

• creates hope and resiliency for those living with mental illness

• mental illness happens to us, mental wellness is created by us

mental health continuum 

• enhances self-awareness

• motivates the population to seek support 

• healthy = normal mood fluctuation 

• reacting = irritable 

• injured = hopelessness 

• ill =panic attacks (clinical illnesses)