AP Psych 5.3/5.4: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy

Treatment of psychological disorders using psychological techniques rather than drugs or surgery.

Biomedical therapy

Treatment using medication or medical procedures that affect the brain and nervous system.

Eclectic approach

Using techniques from multiple types of therapy depending on the client’s needs.

Psychoanalysis

Freud’s therapy focusing on unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences.

Resistance

Patient’s unconscious refusal to discuss painful thoughts in therapy.

Interpretation

Therapist’s explanation of unconscious meanings in thoughts, dreams, or behaviors.

Transference

Patient projecting feelings about important people onto the therapist.

Psychodynamic therapy

Modern version of psychoanalysis focusing on unconscious patterns.

Insight therapies

Therapies aimed at increasing self-understanding.

Person-centered therapy

Therapy emphasizing empathy, acceptance, and self-directed growth.

Active listening

Therapist technique of reflecting and clarifying client feelings.

Unconditional positive regard

Complete acceptance and support of the client without judgment.

Behavior therapy

Therapy that uses learning principles to change maladaptive behaviors.

Counterconditioning

Learning a new response that replaces an unwanted behavior.

Exposure therapies

Gradual exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety.

Systematic desensitization

Exposure therapy paired with relaxation techniques.

Virtual reality exposure therapy

Use of simulated environments to treat fears.

Aversive conditioning

Associating unwanted behavior with unpleasant stimulus.

Token economy

Behavior modification system using rewards for desired behaviors.

Cognitive therapy

Therapy that changes negative thought patterns.

Rational emotive behavior therapy

Therapy that challenges irrational beliefs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Therapy combining cognitive and behavioral techniques.

Group therapy

Therapy involving multiple clients with similar problems.

Family therapy

Therapy focusing on family dynamics and relationships.

Confirmation bias

Tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs.

Meta-analysis

Statistical method that combines results from multiple studies.

Evidence-based practice

Treatment approach using scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient needs.

Therapeutic alliance

Emotional bond between therapist and client that supports healing.