PSYU2222 Lecture 4: Pt. 1 Psychotherapeutic Interventions & Evidence-Based Practice

What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

Integration of best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values (Straus et al., 2005).

Why is EBP important in psychology?

• Improves client outcomes

• Ensures treatments are scientifically valid

• Supports ethical practice and integrity

What are the ethical foundations of EBP?

• Respect for Persons

• Beneficence

• Justice

• Fidelity and Responsibility

What are barriers to implementing EBP?

• Limited evidence access

• Time/resource constraints

• Organisational resistance

• Inadequate training

• Difficulty accessing clear guidelines

List the 9 levels of evidence (lowest to highest).

• Expert Opinion

• Case Study

• Case Series / Before-After Studies

• Case-Control Study

• Cohort Study

• Non-Randomised Controlled Trial

• Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)

• Systematic Review

• Meta-Analysis

What makes RCTs the gold standard?

• Randomisation balances known/unknown variables

• Allows causal inference

What is a meta-analysis?

• Combines results of multiple studies

• Identifies effect size

• Increases generalisability

What is a systematic review?

• Uses explicit, systematic methods to synthesise evidence

• High credibility

• Vulnerable to publication bias

What is psychotherapy?

A structured therapeutic process to bring about behavioural, emotional, and cognitive change.

Founders of psychoanalysis?

Freud, Jung, Adler, Klein.

Core psychoanalytic techniques?

Free association, dream analysis, transference, interpretation.

Who are key figures in behaviourism?

John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner.

What are key techniques?

Reinforcement, systematic desensitisation, exposure therapy, behaviour modification.

Key figures?

Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow.

Core principles?

Unconditional positive regard, empathy, congruence, self-actualisation.

Goal of humanistic therapy?

Facilitate personal growth through an accepting and genuine therapeutic relationship.

Who are the founders of CBT?

Aaron Beck, Judith Beck, Albert Ellis (REBT).

What is the cognitive triad in depression?

Negative views about self, world, and future.

What are cognitive distortions?

Faulty thinking patterns (e.g., catastrophising, overgeneralisation, black-and-white thinking).

What is cognitive restructuring?

Identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts to develop healthier beliefs.

What is the ABC Model (Ellis)?

• A = Activating Event

• B = Beliefs

• C = Consequences (emotions/behaviours)

What is the CBT Model?

Describes interaction between thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and environment.

What are core CBT session phases?

• Initial: Psychoeducation, goal-setting

• Middle: Identify/modify maladaptive thoughts

• Final: Relapse prevention, coping strategies

What is classical conditioning?

Learning by association (e.g., Pavlov's dogs).

What is operant conditioning?

Learning by consequences (reinforcement/punishment).

What is exposure therapy?

Gradual exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety.

What is aversion therapy?

Pairing unwanted behaviours with negative stimuli.

What is observational learning (Bandura)?

Learning through modelling, reinforcement, and self-efficacy development.

What are automatic negative thoughts (ANTs)?

Habitual self-critical thoughts that reinforce negative emotions and behaviours.

What is the goal of Socratic Dialogue in CBT?

• Stimulates self-reflection

• Encourages clients to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts

Example of Socratic questions?

• “What evidence supports this thought?”

• “What would you tell a friend in this situation?”

What is the 'miracle question' in solution-focused therapy?

"Imagine your problem is gone. What would be different?"

What is case conceptualisation?

A working hypothesis explaining a client’s issues, used for planning and treatment.

What are the key features of case conceptualisation?

• Informs assessment and intervention

• Adapts to client needs

• Identifies protective/maintaining factors

• Tracks progress

What is the ABC Functional Assessment?

• A = Activating event

• B = Beliefs

• C = Consequences