Introduction to Theories in Psychology

• Transition into learning specific psychological theories.

• Daily sessions focused on theory comprehension and application.

• Reflect on the role as a helper in therapeutic settings.

Helping Skills and Empathy

• Importance of effective helping skills in therapy.

• Display empathy as a key aspect of being a helper.

• Encourage questions and discussion for clarity.

Overview of Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)

Development of PCT

• Pioneered by Carl Rogers in the 1960s.

• Focus on the client as the expert of their own experiences.

Core Concepts of PCT

• Client-Centric Approach: The client knows their own feelings, directions, and problems.

• Acceptance & Authenticity: Growth occurs when individuals can explore their feelings without judgment.

• Challenges from Society: Societal expectations can inhibit personal development.

  • Example: A young boy wanting to pursue theater but pressured to play sports.

Role of the Therapist

• Validation: The therapist provides support and creates a safe space.

• Unconditional Positive Regard: Accepting the client without judgment, even when they make unhelpful choices.

• Maintaining empathy while addressing problematic behaviors in a constructive manner.

Key Techniques in Person-Centered Therapy

Psychological Contact

• Establishing a strong, genuine relationship between therapist and client.

Addressing Incongruence

• Incongruence refers to the discrepancies between the client’s self-perception and reality causing distress.

Congruence & Genuineness

• Therapist authenticity is crucial for effective engagement with the client’s experiences.

Goals of Person-Centered Therapy

• Client Determines Goals: Clients lead therapy direction based on their needs and experiences.

• Therapist Support Role: The therapist aids clients in uncovering and articulating their goals.

Transition to Psychodynamic Theory

Overview

• Developed by Sigmund Freud, focusing on unconscious drives and motivations.

• Emphasizes the impact of early relationships on mental health.

Key Components of Psychodynamic Therapy

Id, Ego, and Superego

• Id: Represents primal desires and urges; operates on the pleasure principle without regard for reality.

• Ego: Serves as a mediator between desires and reality; operates on the reality principle.

• Superego: Represents moral conscience; strives for perfection and can create stress when expectations are not met.

Defense Mechanisms

• Psychological strategies used to manage conflict between the id, ego, and superego.

Common Defense Mechanisms

• Repression: Avoiding unpleasant thoughts or memories.

• Projection: Attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings to others.

• Displacement: Redirecting emotions to a safer target.

• Sublimation: Transforming undesirable impulses into socially acceptable actions.

• Intellectualization: Focusing on logic to distance oneself from emotional content.

Psychosexual Stages of Development

Overview of Stages

1. Oral Stage: Focus on oral activities; potential for oral fixation if conflicts arise.

2. Anal Stage: Control and order; issues during this stage can lead to perfectionism or messiness.

3. Phallic Stage: Exploration of parental relationships; includes the Oedipus and Electra complexes.

4. Latency Stage: Social and cognitive development.

5. Genital Stage: Mature sexual intimacy, beginning in adolescence.

Fixation Implications

• Unresolved conflicts at any stage can lead to fixation, impacting adult behavior.

• Therapist's role is to help clients navigate and resolve issues from earlier stages.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the fluid nature of psychological theories and approaches to therapy.

• Continuously reflect on the importance of empathy, acceptance, and client autonomy in therapeutic relationships.