Module 5.5a Treatment of Psychological Disorders: Introduction to Therapy, Psychodynamic and Humanistic Therapies

Module 5.5a: Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Introduction to Therapy, Psychodynamic and Humanistic Therapies

Learning Targets

  • 5.5-1 Contrast psychotherapy and the biomedical therapies.

  • 5.5-2 Describe the goals and techniques of psychoanalysis, and explain how they have been adapted in psychodynamic therapy.

  • 5.5-3 Describe the basic themes of humanistic therapy, and describe the goals and techniques of Rogers' person-centered approach.

Key Figures

  • Kay Redfield Jamison: A clinical psychologist and expert in bipolar disorder, contributing valuable personal insights into the emotional impacts of the illness.

    • She discusses the life-altering influence of her psychiatrist as pivotal for her survival during manic-depressive cycles, indicating the importance of therapy in managing psychological disorders.

Historical Context

Deinstitutionalization

  • Definition: The process initiated in the late twentieth century of moving individuals with psychological disorders out of institutional facilities.

Therapy Types

Psychotherapy

  • Definition: Treatment involving psychological techniques; consists of interactions between a trained therapist and someone seeking to overcome psychological difficulties or achieve personal growth.

Biomedical Therapy

  • Definition: Treatments involving prescribed medications or procedures that act directly on a person's physiology, such as antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Spotlight on: Dorothea Dix

  • Advocated for humane treatment of individuals in mental institutions.

  • Her work contributed to the reformation of psychological care and the construction of psychiatric hospitals.

Current Landscape of Therapy

  • A significant number of Americans (1 in 5) are engaged in outpatient mental health therapy (Olfson et al., 2016).

  • Treatment often combines psychotherapy with biomedical approaches.

Overview of Psychotherapy

  • Modern therapies can be divided into two primary categories:

    • Psychotherapy involves exploring and addressing psychological issues.

    • Biomedical therapies implement physiological treatments for psychological disorders.

Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Therapies

5.5-2 Goals and Techniques of Psychoanalysis

  • Psychoanalysis: Founded by Sigmund Freud, aimed at revealing and resolving unconscious conflicts.

    • Goals: To achieve healthier living by addressing repressed feelings and thoughts.

    • Techniques:

    • Free Association: Clients say whatever comes to mind, revealing unconscious thoughts and feelings.

    • Resistance: Noting what clients avoid discussing, indicating deeper issues.

    • Transference: The projection of feelings about significant others onto the therapist, revealing relationship patterns.

Adaptations in Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Modern psychodynamic therapy retains elements of psychoanalysis but focuses more on present relationships than historical conflicts.

    • Meetings are typically scheduled less frequently and are often shorter in duration, focusing on the client's current relationships and feelings.

    • Clients may engage in techniques such as free association, but sessions aim to quickly address current psychological distress rather than in-depth historical exploration.

Humanistic Therapies

5.5-3 Basic Themes of Humanistic Therapy

  • Focus: Emphasizes individual potential and self-fulfillment, contrasting older models by focusing on growth rather than pathology.

  • Techniques aim to develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance through supportive therapeutic environments.

Person-Centered Approach (Carl Rogers)

  • Key Features:

    • Non-directive Therapy: Clients steer the conversation, allowing for personal insight and growth.

    • Core Conditions of Therapy:

    • Unconditional Positive Regard: Nonjudgmental support fostering a safe space for clients to explore themselves.

    • Empathy: The therapist's active engagement in understanding the client's experiences.

    • Genuineness: Authentic therapist-client interactions promoting openness and trust.

Active Listening Techniques

  • Paraphrasing: Restating clients' expressions in the therapist's words to confirm understanding.

  • Inviting Clarification: Encouraging clients to provide more details on their sentiments.

  • Reflecting Feelings: Identifying and validating emotions exhibited by clients.

Concluding Thoughts

Key Comparisons and Concepts

  • Eclectic Approach: Many therapists combine different therapeutic styles according to their client's needs.

  • Insight Therapies: Both psychoanalytic and humanistic therapies fall under this category, providing pathways for self-insight and emotional relief.

Review Questions

5.5-1 Differences in Therapy Types

  • Psychotherapy vs. Biomedical Therapy

    • Psychotherapy focuses on psychological techniques through therapy sessions.

    • Biomedical therapies apply biological methods, including medications.

5.5-2 Psychoanalysis Techniques

  • Free association, resistance, and transference are central components of the psychoanalytic method.

5.5-3 Humanistic Therapy Themes

  • Emphasis on growth, present insights, and consciousness, with therapeutic techniques focused on non-directive client engagement.

Practice Multiple Choice Questions

  1. Identify a variable in Dr. Tanaka's study on the impact of mental health hospital discharge on well-being.

  2. Logical treatment methods for a bipolar diagnosis at Blacklawn Outpatient Clinic.

  3. Classify Dr. Carlson's therapeutic style based on his discussion topics.

  4. Define resistance in the context of psychoanalytic therapy.