AP Psych 8.5 - Introduction to Therapy, Psychodynamic, Humanistic Therapies & Group Therapy

Deinstitutionalization

the process of moving mental health care from long-term psychiatric hospitals to community-based services

(late 20th century)

Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

a trained therapist uses psychological techniques to help someone overcome difficulties and achieve personal growth

Biomedical therapy

the use of medications or procedures that act directly on the person's physiology

Eclectic approach

an approach to psychotherapy that uses techniques from various forms of therapy and medications to treat a client

Goal of psychodynamic therapy

Emphasizes the recovery of unconscious conflicts, motives, and defenses; early childhood trauma, etc

Free Association

spontaneously expressing their thoughts and feelings exactly as they occur, with as little censorship as possible (saying first things that come to mind)

Dream Analysis

therapist interprets the symbolic meaning of the client's dreams

Hypnosis (hypnotherapy)

altered state of consciousness where a person is more receptive to suggestion and has a reduced awareness of their surroundings, state of deep relaxation that's similar to sleep, but the person can still access their thoughts, sensations, and memories

Which disorders are best treated using Psychoanalysis?

somatoform disorders and dissociative disorders

some forms of PTSD (or other trauma and stress related disorders)

Goal of humanistic therapy

provides a supportive emotional climate for clients; client plays a major role in determining the pace and direction of their therapy, focuses on growth, self-awareness and self-acceptance (not on illness)

focuses on the present and taking responsibility for one's feelings and actions

Active Listening

empathetic listening in which the listener echoes, restates, and seeks clarification

Unconditional Positive Regard

complete, nonjudgmental acceptance of a client as a person

What disorders are best treated using humanistic therapies?

most disorders (none to specify) "best practices" in psychotherapy

Group Therapy

simultaneous psychological treatment of several clients in a group

Participants role in group therapy

function as therapists for one another

describe problems, trade viewpoints, share experiences, and discuss coping strategies

provide acceptance and support for each other

Advantages of the group therapy experience

more affordable

just as effective as individual therapy for some people and problems

shared experience + social support

social skills work in safe environment

Which disorders are best treated using group therapy?

eating disorders, addiction, anxiety disorders