Chapter 17: Therapy Overview of Modern Therapy

Psychoanalysis Assumptions: – Psychological problems are fueled by repressed impulses and conflicts – Analysis brings these thoughts to the surface which relieves the sufferer of anxiety

Psychoanalysis Methods: – Historical reconstruction Unearth the cause of conflict by reconstructing the past – Free association Say whatever comes to mind on a given topic Therapist looks for “resistance” in the form of hesitation, jokes, self-editing, or embarrassment Therapist interprets the underlying meaning of the resistance – Transference Directing your hidden feelings and wishes towards your therapist

Psychoanalysis Criticisms: – Based on the assumption that repressed memories exist – Interpretations are hard to refute – Takes a lot of time and money

Psychodynamic therapy Less time and money than traditional psychoanalysis Focuses more on the present while giving attention to the past

Humanistic Therapy

Assumptions: – People have an inherent potential for self-fulfillment – Helping people grow in self- awareness is the key to mental health

Humanistic Therapy Differs from psychoanalysis by focusing on – The present and the future more than the past – Conscious rather than unconscious thoughts – Taking immediate responsibility for one’s feelings and actions – Promoting growth instead of curing illness

Humanistic Therapy Methods: – Client Centered Therapy Non-directive Genuineness, acceptance, empathy Active listening

Humanistic Therapy Criticisms: – One cannot be totally nondirective – Overly optimistic about human nature – Cannot help in severe cases

Cognitive Therapy Assumptions: – Thinking greatly colors feelings and actions

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Viktor E. Frankl Viktor E. Frankl

Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. Viktor E. Frankl Viktor E. Frankl

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive-behavior interatction Belief: “I’m not a good test taker” Action: Anxiety- induced poor test performance Causes Reinforces

Cognitive Therapy Methods: – Rational-emotive therapy Works to uncover irrationalities in thought – Cognitive-behavior therapy Addresses destructive cycle of thoughts and actions

Cognitive Therapy Criticisms: – Not effective for severe cases – Lack of patient buy-in could cause progress to fail after therapy

Behavior Therapies Assumptions: – The behavior is the problem – Doubt the healing power of self- awareness

Behavior Therapies Methods: – Classical Conditioning Systematic desensitization Aversive conditioning – Operant Conditioning Token economy

Behavior Therapies Criticisms: – Does not get to the root of the problem – “Cure” only effective during treatment, when reinforcement stops so will appropriate behavior – Ethical concerns of behavior modification?

Psychotherapies provide: Hope for demoralized people A new perspective An empathetic, trusting, caring relationship

Do psychotherapies work? Research is split but tends to indicate that therapy is generally better than no treatment Different therapies are better for different problems Don’t discount the power of suggestion