Psychotherapy Goals and Methods

Psychoanalytic Model Inspired by Freud Assumed Problem: unconscious forces, childhood experiences Goals: Reduce anxiety through self-insight “Talking Cure” - “Know Thyself” –Insight Therapy –Resistance - blocking –Free Association –Dream Analysis (latent) –Long Term

Humanistic Model Assumed Problem: Barriers to self understanding and self acceptance. Goals: Personal growth through self insight, congruence Components: Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy, genuineness Client Centered Therapy (non- directive) –Client can express themselves without worry of judgment. Carl Rogers- active listening, empathy, genuineness

Behavioral Model Assumed Problem: maladaptive behaviors based on the principals of learning. Goals: extinguish and replace maladaptive behaviors. –Systematic Desensitization (exposure) –Aversion Therapy –Token Economies (operant) + =

Cognitive Model Cognitive Therapy (Aaron Beck) Assumed Problem: People engage in (negative) self talk that is false. Goals: Confront irrational thought processes. Replace neg./false thinking patterns. Change in belief  change in emotion Example: Rational Emotive Therapy- RET (Albert Ellis) Challenge the validity of clients statements. 98% OH NO! I only got 98%.

Biological/Biomedical Assumed Problem Abnormalities in the brain, brain structures, neurotransmitters. Goals: Drug Therapy/ Psychosurgery: –Drugs –ECT –Lobotomy