Therapy & Careers 6.2.16

Part 1: Therapy Chapter 17

Behavior Therapies An important behavior therapy is Assertiveness Training Scoring: Tally the number of Nonassertive, Aggressive, and Assertive behaviors using the chart Handout 17-10 p.13

Cognitive Therapies Self-reinforcement is important in preventing and overcoming depression Frequency of Self-Reinforcement Scale Scoring: Give yourself 1 point for TRUE answers to numbers 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 29 Give yourself 1 point for FALSE answers to numbers 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 30 High scores reflect a greater tendency to engage in self-reinforcement Handout 17-11 p.15

How effective is psychotherapy? Clients judge therapy to be effective Enter therapy in crisis and leave less unhappy Need to believe the time and expense is justified Usually stay in touch with the therapist only if they are satisfied, so therapists are unlikely to hear about failures Research has not upheld clients’ estimates of therapy’s effectiveness

Outcome studies Randomized clinical trials; people on a waiting list receive therapy or no therapy Conclusions: People who remain untreated often improve Those who receive treatment are more likely to improve People who receive psychological treatment spend less time and money later seeking other medical treatment

Effective psychotherapies No one type of therapy is most effective overall Some therapies are more well-suited to specific disorders The more specific the problem, the greater the chances for effective treatment

benefits 3 benefits for all psychotherapies Hope for demoralized people A fresh perspective Empathic, trusting, caring relationship Therapeutic alliance, emotional bond between therapist & client – is an important part of effective therapy

The Mind Episode 3: The Placebo Effect

psychopharmacology Study of drugs effects on the mind and behavior Since 1950s, drug therapy has been used extensively to treat psychological disorders

Prevention Advocates of preventative mental health argue that many disorders could be prevented Aim is to change oppressive, esteem-destroying environments into more benevolent, nurturing environments that foster individual growth & self-confidence.

The Mind Episode 34: Treating Depression