Learning Targets:

Compare and contrast psychotherapy with biomedical therapies.
Explain the objectives and methods of psychoanalysis and describe how these have been modified in psychodynamic therapy.
Outline the fundamental principles of humanistic therapy, including the goals and techniques of the person-centered approach.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.).

Understanding Psychological Disorder Treatment Trends

In the field of psychology, researchers conduct meta-analytic studies to evaluate the effectiveness of various psychotherapies in treating psychological disorders. These studies consistently show that psychotherapies are generally effective, providing hope for those seeking treatment. Psychologists often rely on evidence-based interventions when developing personalized treatment plans for their clients. It is crucial for therapists to approach therapy with cultural humility, respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their clients. By establishing a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and understanding, therapists can effectively deliver therapy that meets the unique needs of each individual.

Psychotherapy and Biomedical Therapies

Psychotherapy involves the use of psychological techniques in the form of interactions between a trained therapist and an individual seeking to overcome psychological challenges or achieve personal growth. On the other hand, biomedical therapy includes the use of prescribed medications or procedures that directly impact a person's physiology. It is interesting to note that one in five Americans receives outpatient mental health therapy, showcasing the prevalence of these treatments. Additionally, many psychotherapists utilize an eclectic approach, incorporating techniques from various forms of therapy. For instance, they may combine systematic desensitization, a behavioral technique, with active listening, a client-centered approach, to provide comprehensive support and care to their clients.

Advancements in the Treatment of Psychological Disorders and Ethical Principles in Therapy

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the treatment of psychological disorders. With the increased use and effectiveness of psychotropic medication therapy, hospitals and asylums began deinstitutionalizing large numbers of individuals in the late 20th century. This shift in approach led therapists to veer towards treating patients in decentralized ways, often opting for a combination of medication and psychological therapies. One prominent figure in the history of mental health advocacy is Dorthea Dix, whose tireless efforts led to improvements in the treatment of individuals with psychological disorders.

When it comes to providing therapy, psychologists must adhere to a set of ethical principles to ensure the well-being of their patients. Professionals must uphold nonmaleficence, fidelity, integrity, and respect for individuals' rights and dignity in clinical or therapeutic settings. These ethical guidelines, established by the American Psychological Association (APA), serve as a compass for therapists to navigate the complexities of treating psychological disorders while prioritizing the welfare and autonomy of their clients.

Contemporary therapists opt to provide care for individuals with persistent mental health conditions in decentralized manners, blending medication and psychological interventions in community-based facilities, whether outpatient or inpatient. Modern Western therapeutic approaches can be categorized into two primary groups: psychotherapy and biomedical therapies.

Review this table to compare and contrast psychotherapy with biomedical therapies:

Psychotherapy vs. Biomedical Therapies
Aspect	Psychotherapy	Biomedical Therapies
Definition	Treatment involving psychological techniques	Treatment involving medical or physical interventions
Approach	Focuses on emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues	Focuses on biological and physiological aspects
Practitioners	Psychologists, therapists, counselors	Psychiatrists, doctors, medical professionals
Techniques	Talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy	Medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Goals	Insight, behavior change, emotional well-being	Symptom reduction, biochemical balance
Duration	Often long-term, ongoing	Can be short-term or long-term depending on treatment
Side Effects	Minimal, usually related to emotional distress	Potential for significant side effects
Effectiveness	Effective for various mental health issues, especially when combined with biomedical treatments	Effective for specific conditions, especially those with a biological basis
Patient Involvement	Active participation in sessions	Primarily passive, following prescribed treatment

Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theories

Psychoanalysis, a therapeutic technique developed by Sigmund Freud, aims to help patients by exploring their unconscious thoughts and emotions. Freud believed that patients can gain insight into their repressed feelings through free association, analyzing resistant streams of thought, and understanding transferences. By interpreting these repressed emotions, patients can better understand themselves and their behaviors, ultimately leading to personal growth and emotional healing.

Psychodynamic therapy is a type of therapy rooted in the psychoanalytic tradition. It looks at individuals as being influenced by unconscious forces and childhood experiences. The main goal of this therapy is to help people gain self-insight by exploring how their current symptoms are connected to significant relationships and events in their lives, particularly those from childhood. Unlike other forms of therapy that focus on conflicts between the id, ego, and superego, psychodynamic therapy places less emphasis on these internal conflicts and more on uncovering unconscious processes through self-reflection and exploration of past experiences.

Psychoanalysis Techniques

Psychoanalysis, a form of psychodynamic therapy, utilizes various techniques to delve into the workings of the unconscious mind. One important method used is free association, where patients are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings without censorship freely. This technique allows the patient to uncover hidden thoughts or emotions that could be contributing to their current struggles. For example, suppose a patient is speaking about their fear of water. In that case, they may suddenly mention a childhood memory of near drowning, leading to a deeper exploration of this traumatic event.

Sigmund Freud initially experimented with hypnosis but found it to be unreliable. He then adopted the method of free association, where the patient is encouraged to relax and verbalize any thoughts that come to mind. This process helps uncover resistance, which is the blocking of anxiety-inducing thoughts from the conscious mind. When a patient changes the subject or jokes about a topic, it indicates to the analyst that they are nearing the core issue. Interpretation plays a crucial role in psychoanalysis as the analyst notes dream meanings, resistances, and significant behaviors to facilitate insight. Additionally, transference occurs when a patient projects emotions, like love or hatred, onto the analyst based on past relationships, such as with a parent. For instance, if negative feelings are harbored toward one's mother, those same feelings may be redirected toward the analyst during therapy sessions.

Another key technique in psychoanalysis is dream interpretation. Dreams are believed to be windows into the unconscious mind, revealing repressed desires or fears. For instance, if a patient dreams of flying but suddenly feels trapped, this could symbolize a desire for freedom conflicting with feelings of being held back. The therapist helps patients analyze these dreams to understand their deeper psychological conflicts. Freud believed that through interpreting dreams and analyzing free associations, individuals could unravel their unconscious motivations and address unresolved issues.

Humanistic Therapy and Roger's Person-Centered Approach

Humanistic therapy, often called person-centered therapy, is rooted in active listening and unconditional positive regard. This approach believes in the innate potential within individuals to achieve self-fulfillment. A key focus of humanistic therapy is insight, which involves increasing awareness of underlying motives and defenses. The therapy emphasizes growth, being present in the moment, and maintaining a cautious mind. These core themes are central to person-centered therapy developed by Carl Rogers. In this non-directive approach, the client leads discussions while the therapist practices active listening. For example, the therapist may reflect back the client's feelings to show understanding, fostering an environment of unconditional positive regard.

Rogers' person-centered approach aims to create a supportive and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely. The therapist's role is to provide genuine empathy, warmth, and acceptance without judgment. By cultivating a relationship based on trust and understanding, clients can feel empowered to express themselves authentically. This therapy focuses on the present moment, encouraging clients to embrace their experiences and emotions without fear of criticism. Roger's person-centered approach aims to help individuals develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. By fostering a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment, clients can explore their inner selves and work toward positive change and personal fulfillment.

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