Treatments of Psychological Disorders Psych Group 5

Treatments of Psychological Disorders

Section Overview

• Introduction to various therapeutic approaches

• Types of therapies covered include Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Group Therapies.

Table of Contents

• 01 Introduction

• 02 Therapies

• 03 Evaluating Psychotherapies

• Quick Recall Activity

01 Introduction

Psychodynamic and Humanistic Therapies

• Psychotherapy Definition: Treatment using psychological techniques to change behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

• Focus: Understanding and managing emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

• Important therapies covered: Psychodynamic and Humanistic.

Psychodynamic Therapy

• Focus Area: Unconscious processes influencing current behavior.

• Core Techniques:

  • Free Association: Clients express random thoughts to reveal unconscious conflicts.

  • Dream Analysis: Dreams analyzed for underlying desires or fears.

  • Transference: Emotions experienced by the client towards the therapist, related to past relationships.

• Mental Health Influences: Early experiences and unconscious conflicts shape mental wellness.

Example of Psychodynamic Theory

• Case Study: A person with unresolved anger towards parents may struggle in adult relationships, highlighting the need to explore past influences to manage future behavior.

Humanistic Therapy

• Aim: Help individuals reach their potential through self-actualization.

• Key Elements:

  • Client-Centered Therapy: Developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizing non-directive support and active listening.

  • Unconditional Positive Regard: Acceptance and respect for the client irrespective of their actions.

  • Empathy: Understanding clients' feelings and perspectives.

• Belief in inherent human goodness and personal growth potential.

Example of Humanistic Theory

• Case Study: A client with low self-esteem learns through therapy to acknowledge their self-worth and pursue growth in a supportive environment.

Comparing Psychodynamic and Humanistic Therapies

• Core Differences:

  • Psychodynamic: Focuses on past experiences and unconscious conflicts.

  • Humanistic: Emphasizes self-awareness and present growth.

• Common Goal: Both seek to enhance mental health by providing insights into thoughts and behaviors.

02 Therapies

Behavioral, Cognitive, and Group Therapies

Behavioral Therapies

• Nature: Aimed at changing unhealthy behaviors through observable techniques.

• Learning Principles: Use of classical and operant conditioning to treat issues like phobias and addictions.

• Example: Positive reinforcement to stop nail-biting.

Classical Conditioning

• Definition: Associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

• Example: Teaching a person with a dog phobia to feel calm upon hearing a bark through therapeutic exposure.

Operant Conditioning

• Definition: Behavior shaped by consequences (rewards/punishments).

• Example: Quitting smoking by avoiding financial penalties for non-compliance.

Exposure Therapy

• Process: Gradual exposure to feared stimuli to decrease anxiety.

• Example: A person scared of heights progressing from pictures to real-life heights safely.

Systematic Desensitization

• Method: Combining relaxation with gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli.

• Example: Overcoming a spider phobia through a stepwise approach.

Behavior Modification

• Definition: A structured approach to changing behavior via reinforcement strategies.

• Example: Rewarding homework completion to encourage responsibility.

03 Cognitive Therapies

Overview

• Objective: Change negative or irrational thought patterns to boost emotional health.

• Notable Methods: Beck's and Ellis’s cognitive therapies.

• Example: Rethinking a job interview from perfectionist expectations to realistic outcomes.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

• Focus: Identify and challenge irrational beliefs to replace them with rational thoughts.

• Example: Adjusting the belief from needing universal approval to accepting self-worth regardless of others' opinions.

Cognitive Distortions

• Definition: Exaggerated or irrational thought patterns leading to negative emotions.

• Example: Overgeneralizing a poor test performance as a total failure.

Evaluating Psychotherapies

Client Perception of Therapy

• Client Satisfaction: 90% report satisfaction, often feel better due to belief in therapeutic effectiveness.

• Skepticism: Clients may focus on positive aspects to justify time and money spent, sometimes overlooking limited benefits.

Common Feedback to Therapists

• Success Stories: Focus on positive outcomes, while failures may go unreported, leading to cognitive bias.

• Awareness: Therapists might notice when clients seek help elsewhere, impacting perceived effectiveness.

Efficacy of Various Therapies

• Effectiveness:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Useful for anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Helps understand underlying emotional struggles.

  • Nondirective Counseling: Beneficial for mild to moderate depression.

How Psychotherapies Help

• Mechanism: Therapy promotes change through understanding and a supportive environment, enhancing self-efficacy and connection with the therapist.

• Therapist Role: Building trust and understanding to facilitate emotional growth.

Seeking Psychotherapy

• Recommendations: Professional help is advised for persistent feelings of hopelessness, self-harm, anxiety, or unusual mood swings.

Ethical Principles in Psychotherapy

• Core Values: Honest interactions, professionalism, and a commitment to clients' well-being. Each therapist aims to build trust and ensure no harm is done in the process.