Psych Chapter 13

Clinical psychology

The branch of psychology focused on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health problems.

Psychotherapy

Treatment using psychological methods to improve mental health.

Providers of psychotherapy

Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and clinical social workers.

Psychologist vs. psychiatrist

Psychologists provide therapy; psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication.

Sociocultural approach to therapy

Considers how culture, family, relationships, and social environment affect mental health.

Evidence-based practice

Using treatments supported by scientific research and evidence.

Therapeutic alliance

The trusting, cooperative relationship between therapist and client.

Psychodynamic therapies emphasis

Exploring unconscious conflicts, past experiences, and relationships to understand current problems.

Psychoanalysis

Freud's therapy focused on bringing unconscious thoughts into conscious awareness.

Humanistic therapies emphasis

Personal growth, self-awareness, free will, and reaching one's potential.

Client-centered therapy

Therapy where the therapist provides empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard.

Behavior therapies emphasis

Changing learned behaviors through conditioning and reinforcement.

Systematic desensitization

Gradually exposing someone to a feared stimulus while using relaxation techniques.

Cognitive therapies emphasis

Identifying and changing unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts.

Cognitive restructuring

Identifying and replacing negative or irrational thoughts with more realistic ones.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Therapy changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve emotions and functioning.

Integrative therapy

Combining techniques from different therapy approaches to meet a client's needs.

Biological therapies mechanism

Using medications or other biological treatments to change brain functioning.

Antianxiety drugs function

Reduce anxiety and physical symptoms of anxiety.

Antidepressant drugs function

Reduce symptoms of depression by affecting brain neurotransmitters.

Antipsychotic drugs function

Reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Cross-cultural competence

The ability to understand and work effectively with people from different cultures.

Importance of cross-cultural competence

Helps therapists provide respectful, culturally appropriate, and effective treatment.