Mental health services, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural therapy

Front: Where do clinical psychologists commonly practise, and who are typical inpatients?

Back: Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals or mental health facilities. Psychiatric inpatients usually have severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression, rather than personality disorders.

Front: What is the scientist–practitioner model in psychology?

Back: A model used in Australian universities that teaches both the science of psychology and trains applied psychologists in clinical practice.

Front: How are community health facilities structured for mental health care?

Back: They use multidisciplinary teams, bringing together professionals from various specialties to provide comprehensive care.

Front: What has been a significant development in mental health services in Australia?

Back: The shift from institutionalised care toward community-based care.

Front: What are the two core principles of psychodynamic therapy?

• Insight: Understanding how one’s mind works.

• Therapeutic relationship: Using the relationship between patient and therapist to facilitate change.

Front: What are the three main techniques used in psychodynamic therapy?

• Free association: Patient says whatever comes to mind to explore thought networks.

• Interpretation: Therapist helps patient understand experiences in a new light.

• Examination of transference: Exploring how patients transfer past thoughts, feelings, and conflicts onto the therapist.

Front: What are the main contemporary forms of psychodynamic treatment?

• Psychoanalysis: Patient lies on the couch, meets therapist 3+ times/week.

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy: Patient and therapist sit face-to-face, usually 1–2 times/week.

Front: What is the basis of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT)?

Back: CBT uses methods from behaviourist and cognitive learning approaches, starting with a behavioural analysis of symptoms and associated thoughts or stimuli to define treatment targets.

Front: What classical conditioning techniques are used in CBT?

• Systematic desensitisation: Gradually confronting a phobic stimulus mentally while inhibiting anxiety.

• Exposure therapy: Presenting the patient with the actual phobic stimulus, including virtual reality exposure.

Front: How are operant and social learning techniques used in CBT?

• Operant techniques: Alter consequences to control maladaptive behaviour.

• Social learning: Participatory modelling (therapist demonstrates behaviour) and skills training (teaching behaviours to achieve goals).

Front: What are mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches in CBT?

• Mindfulness training: Teaches awareness of the present moment.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Changes one’s relationship with thoughts and encourages behaviour aligned with valued goals.

Front: What is the focus of cognitive therapy?

Back: Cognitive therapy aims to change dysfunctional cognitions that underlie psychological disorders.

Front: What is Ellis’ rational–emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)?

Back: REBT addresses the belief systems that mediate between activating conditions and maladaptive emotional reactions.

Front: What is the focus of Beck’s cognitive therapy?

Back: Beck’s cognitive therapy targets cognitive distortions to reduce psychological distress.