Where do problems come from?: Problems are symptoms of unresolved conflicts Focus: Inner, unconscious motivations Attempts to resolve conflicts between personal needs and social requirements
Approach to therapy: Understand internal conflicts/trauma Make conscious the relationship between overt problems and unresolved issues Work through problems to reach effective solution
Where do problems come from?: Problems are the result of learned, self-defeating behaviors Focus: Observable behavior Conditions that sustain unhealthy behavior
Approach to therapy : Apply principles of conditioning and reinforcement and people can learn healthy behaviors
Where do problems come from?: Problems are a result of WHAT and HOW we think ▪ Including distorted views of self, faulty reasoning, and poor problem solving Focus: Thoughts and thought processes that cause problems
Approach to therapy: Reconfigure thought patterns so people can learn healthy, realistic ways of thinking
Where do problems come from?: Problems are the result of issues in daily life Esp. a lack of meaningful relationships and significant goals
Focus: Unite the mind and body (the “whole” person) Release potential for greater levels of performance and rich experiences Approach to therapy : Examine current experiences and learn to realize full potential
Where do problems come from?: Psychological issues stem from underlying biological (physical) causes ▪ Structural abnormalities of the brain, biochemical processes, genetics
Focus: Target the “hardware” of the body ▪ Nervous System, Endocrine System, and Metabolism Approach to therapy : Alter brain or body functioning Drugs, surgery, electroconvulsive therapy
Where do problems come from?: Culture, politics, socioeconomic status affect behavior Focus: Learned cultural norms and behaviors Approach to therapy : Reinforcing positive cultural beliefs, traditions, and behaviors Reconciling personal cultural beliefs with overall social norms