5.5a: Introduction to Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic Theories

Main Goals of Psychotherapy

Promote growth, relieve suffering, and help people function more effectively.

Deinstitutionalization

Movement to treat people in the community instead of in psychiatric hospitals.

Eclectic Approach

Blending techniques from multiple types of therapy to fit the client’s needs.

Ethical Principles in Therapy

Includes confidentiality, informed consent, professional competence, and avoiding harm.

Psychoanalysis

Freud's method aimed at bringing unconscious thoughts to consciousness to resolve internal conflict.

Free Association

Primary method in psychoanalysis where patients speak freely to explore unconscious thoughts.

Transference

When a patient redirects feelings for someone else onto the therapist.

Humanistic Therapy

Focus on self-actualization and personal growth.

Person-Centered Therapy

Developed by Carl Rogers, focusing on self-acceptance and growth.

Cognitive Therapy

Focus on changing illogical and negative thoughts for emotional well-being.

Exposure Therapies

Gradual exposure to fears to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive Restructuring

Replacing irrational thoughts with realistic ones.

Meta-Analysis

Combines many studies to show overall effectiveness of therapy.

Best Treatments for Depression

CBT and medication (SSRIs) are the most effective.

Antipsychotics

Medications used to treat schizophrenia, such as Thorazine.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment for severe depression.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for depression.

Placebo Effect

Feeling better due to expectations rather than actual therapy.

Therapeutic Alliance

The trust and bond between therapist and client, a predictor of therapy success.