Psychotherapy Techniques and Therapies

These flashcards cover key concepts and therapeutic techniques discussed in psychotherapy.

Psychodynamic Therapy

A therapeutic approach focused on revealing unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior.

Free Association

A technique where clients express whatever comes to mind, allowing unconscious thoughts to surface.

Dream Interpretation

Analyzing the surface content (manifest) and hidden meanings (latent) of dreams to uncover unconscious thoughts.

Transference

When a client redirects feelings towards important figures in their life onto the therapist.

Catharsis

The emotional release experienced when repressed feelings are expressed.

Resistance

The client's unconscious avoidance of discussing difficult topics.

Cognitive Therapy

A type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns.

Cognitive Restructuring

The process of identifying and changing irrational and unhelpful thoughts.

Beck's Cognitive Triad

A therapy concept focusing on negative views about the self, the world, and the future.

Ellis and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

A type of cognitive therapy that challenges irrational beliefs and seeks to replace them with more rational thoughts.

Biological Therapy

The use of medications or medical treatments to manage psychological disorders.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment for severe depression that involves controlled electrical currents passed through the brain.

Psychosurgery (lobotomy)

Surgical procedures aimed at altering brain function to treat severe psychological issues.

Behavioral Therapy

An approach that focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors.

Biofeedback

A technique that teaches individuals to control bodily processes by providing real-time feedback.

Modeling

Learning new behaviors by observing and imitating others.

Humanistic Therapy

An approach that emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Offering complete acceptance and support to the client without judgment.

Gestalt Therapy

A therapy that focuses on helping clients become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present.

Self-Help Groups

Peer-led groups where individuals with similar issues provide support to each other without professional guidance.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral technique used to treat phobias by pairing a relaxation response with a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli.

Aversion Therapy

A form of behavior therapy that links an unpleasant stimulus with an unwanted habit to eliminate that habit.

Token Economy

An operant conditioning procedure where people earn a token for exhibiting a desired behavior and can later exchange tokens for privileges or treats.

Exposure Therapy

A behavioral treatment that involves repeated and prolonged confrontational exposure to the feared stimulus.

Group Therapy

Therapy conducted with a group of people rather than one-on-one, allowing for social support and shared experiences.

Family Therapy

Therapy that treats the family as a system, viewing an individual's unwanted behaviors as influenced by or directed at other family members.