33.1History and Evolution of Psychotherapy Techniques

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is defined as the psychological techniques used to facilitate positive change in a person.

How did early psychotherapy differ from today's practices?

Early psychotherapy emphasized treatment of demonic forces or evil spirits believed to cause symptoms.

What was trepanning?

Trepanning involved boring a hole in the skull to allow spirits an exit from the brain, a dangerous practice with limited success.

What medieval treatment was used to rid the body of demonic spirits?

Exorcisms were ritualized attempts to rid the body of demonic spirits.

What was one of the earliest asylums for the mentally ill?

St. Mary's of Bethlehem in London, later known as Bethlehem Royal Hospital or Bedlam.

Who was Phillipe Pinel?

A French physician who advocated for the removal of shackles and chains from patients, marking a pivotal moment towards humane treatment.

Who was Dorothea Dix?

An activist who advocated for more humane treatment of mental illness and served as a superintendent of Army nurses during the Civil War.

What was Jean-Martin Charcot known for?

He was a French neurologist who was one of the first to use hypnosis to treat hysteria.

Who was Anna O.?

Anna O. was Breuer's most notable patient who referred to his therapy as a 'talking cure'.

What is the common goal of psychotherapy from various perspectives?

The goal is to help patients live more normal, comfortable, and healthy lives.

What was the focus of treatment in early asylums?

The focus was primarily on the containment of patients rather than their treatment.

What method did Charcot use to treat hysteria?

He used hypnosis as a treatment method.

What was the significance of the term 'cathartic method' in psychotherapy?

It refers to the process of releasing emotions through talking about symptoms, as experienced by Anna O.

What did Freud develop from the ideas of Breuer?

Freud developed his version of psychotherapy based on the concepts of the talking cure.