Untitled Quiz

Therapy Types

• Psychotherapy involves one-on-one sessions between therapists and clients, or groups or families.
• Psychoanalysis aims to change thoughts and behaviors by uncovering unconscious meanings and motivations. A possible example is discussing childhood incidents related to anger to understand depression.
• Behavior therapy focuses on learning in the development of normal and abnormal behaviors. Techniques include desensitizing, counter-conditioning, exposure therapy, and aversive conditioning. An example of an approach is punishing unwanted behaviors or rewarding positive ones.
• Cognitive therapy addresses dysfunctional thinking patterns that lead to dysfunctional emotions or behaviors. It suggests that changing thoughts can lead to behavioral changes. Concepts include the 3 C's of Cognitive therapy (catch, check, change). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combines cognitive and behavioral approaches. An example in anger management is assessing emotional urges and playing out consequences. Another example focuses on thoughts that contribute to depression.
• Humanistic therapy emphasizes the individual's capacity for growth and their potential to reach their maximum potential. It stresses concern and respect for others. Types of therapies including client-centered, where active listening and paraphrasing are key. Unconditional positive regard is also important. Gestalt therapy promotes organismic holism, encouraging individuals to accept responsibility for themselves, where an approach would be focusing on a person's authentic self.
• Integrative or holistic therapy combines elements of other approaches.
• Biomedical therapies aim to manage symptoms to make psychotherapy more effective. Examples include antipsychotic drugs (e.g., Thorazine), antidepressant drugs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil), tranquilizers (e.g., Valium), mood-stabilizing drugs (e.g., Lithium Carbonate), Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Deep-brain stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and lobotomies.

Effectiveness of Therapy

• The effectiveness of therapy is influenced by several factors such as the clear identification of a specific issue, patient comfort in the therapeutic relationship, the concrete nature of the problem, and therapeutic techniques.
• The rates of therapy satisfaction are usually equal, but the effectiveness comes from the patient's specific issues and how clear they are.
• A significant factor to consider is the placebo effect.
• Regression to the mean is also a point of consideration.