Types of Psychotherapy Overview

A structured interaction between a trained therapist and a client suffering from psychological issues, aiming to address those issues.

An approach to psychotherapy that combines techniques from different therapeutic schools based on the client's needs.

A type of therapy rooted in Freudian theory, exploring unconscious motives and childhood conflicts.

A Freudian method where the patient says whatever comes to mind, revealing unconscious thoughts.

The patient's resistance to discussing certain topics, potentially revealing repressed material.

The analyst's interpretation of the patient's dreams, behaviors, and resistances to gain insight.

The patient unconsciously transferring emotions from past relationships onto the therapist.

A modern approach to psychotherapy that retains some aspects of Freudian theory while rejecting others, emphasizing the importance of the unconscious mind.

A category of medications primarily used to treat schizophrenia, reducing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and distorted thinking. These drugs work by blocking the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in brain processes associated with motivation, pleasure, and reward.

One of the first antipsychotic drugs, Thorazine is known for its effectiveness in managing schizophrenia symptoms. However, it can cause side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and a potentially permanent condition called tardive dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary muscle movements.

A newer antipsychotic drug, Clozaril is known for its effectiveness in treating schizophrenia with fewer side effects than Thorazine. However, it can cause damage to white blood cells, requiring patients to be closely monitored through blood tests.

Another newer antipsychotic drug, Risperdal is known for its effectiveness in treating schizophrenia with fewer side effects than Thorazine and without the risk of damaging white blood cells. However, it is a more expensive option.

A category of medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders or stress. They work by boosting the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, involved in calming the nervous system. However, they can produce dependency and should be used cautiously.

A category of medication primarily used to treat major depression. They work by influencing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, happiness, and sleep. It can take a month or more for these drugs to become fully effective.

A classification of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. They allow serotonin to remain active for a longer period, potentially improving mood and alleviating depression symptoms. Examples include Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.

A medication primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, a mental illness involving shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. It works by stabilizing mood and reducing the severity of manic episodes. It's not fully understood how it works, but many patients report improvement with lithium therapy.

A type of therapy focused on helping clients understand and accept their feelings and behaviors, creating a safe and supportive environment for personal growth.

A key element of Client-Centered Therapy, involving listening attentively and reflecting back the client's emotions and thoughts.

A technique used in Client-Centered Therapy where the therapist summarizes the client's thoughts and feelings in their own words.

A technique used in Client-Centered Therapy where the therapist encourages the client to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions.

A technique used in Client-Centered Therapy where the therapist reflects back the client's emotions, acknowledging and validating their feelings.

A type of therapy that uses principles of learning to modify unwanted behaviors.

A technique used in Behavior Therapy to reduce anxiety by gradually associating a relaxed state with anxiety-triggering stimuli.

A technique used in Behavior Therapy where an unpleasant state is associated with an unwanted behavior to reduce its occurrence.

A technique used in Behavior Therapy to modify behavior by rewarding desired actions with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges or treats.

A therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

A therapy that combines cognitive therapy with behavior therapy, targeting both thoughts and actions.

A form of therapy conducted in a group setting, with a therapist guiding a group of individuals facing similar challenges.

A type of therapy that involves working with families to address conflicts and improve communication.

A type of therapy that uses physical touch to allegedly manipulate energy fields in the body.

A form of depression that occurs primarily during shorter days of winter, often linked to reduced sunlight exposure.

A therapy that involves exposing individuals to artificial light to alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.