Module 53: Introduction to Therapy and the Psychological Therapies

Question 1

psychotherapy

Answer 1

psychological techniques derived from psychological perspectives
the trained therapist uses psychological techniques to assist someone to overcome difficulties or achieve personal growth

Question 2

biomedical therapy

Answer 2

treatment with medical procedures
trained therapist, most often a medical doctor, offers medications and other biological treatments

Question 3

eclectic approach

Answer 3

Uses techniques from various forms of therapy

Question 4

Psychoanalysis’ Goals

Answer 4

Bring patients’ repressed feelings into conscious awareness
Help patients release energy devoted to id-ego-superego conflicts so they may achieve healthier, less anxious lives

Question 5

Psychoanalysis’ Techniques

Answer 5

Historical reconstructions, initially through hypnosis and later through free association
Interpretation of resistance, transference

Question 6

Psychodynamic Therapies’ Goals

Answer 6

Help people understand current symptoms; explore and gain perspective on defended-against thoughts and feelings

Question 7

Psychodynamic Therapies’ Techniques

Answer 7

Client-centered face-to-face meetings; explorations of past relationship troubles to understand origins of current difficulties.

Question 8

Humanistic Perspective

Answer 8

▪ Theme: Emphasis on people’s potential for self- fulfillment; to give people new insights
▪ Goals: Reduce inner conflicts that interfere with natural development and growth; help clients grow in self-awareness and self-acceptance, promoting personal growth
▪ Techniques: Person-centered therapy; focus on taking responsibility for feelings and actions and on present and future rather than past

Question 9

Humanistic Therapies: Carl Rogers

Answer 9

Person-centered therapy that focuses on person’s conscious self-perceptions; nondirective; active listening; unconditional positive regard
Most people possess resources for growth
Therapists foster growth by exhibiting genuineness, acceptance, and empathy.

Question 10

counterconditioning

Answer 10

Uses classical conditioning to evoke new responses to stimuli that are triggering unwanted behaviors

Question 11

exposure therapies

Answer 11

Treat anxieties by exposing people to the things they fear and avoid.

Question 12

systematic desensitization

Answer 12

Associates a pleasant, relaxed state with gradually increasing, anxiety-triggering stimuli

Question 13

operant conditioning therapy

Answer 13

Consequences drive behavior; voluntary behaviors are strongly influenced by their consequences

Question 14

behavior modification

Answer 14

Desired behavior is reinforced; undesired behavior is not reinforced and sometimes is punished

Question 15

token economy

Answer 15

People earn a token for exhibiting a desired behavior and can later exchange the tokens for privileges or treats.

Question 16

cognitive therapies

Answer 16

teach people new, more adaptive ways of thinking
based on assumption that thoughts intervene between events and our emotional reactions

Question 17

Aaron Beck’s therapy for depression

Answer 17

Gentle questioning seeks to reveal irrational thinking and then to persuade people to change their perceptions of their own and other’s actions as dark, negative and pessimistic
People are trained to recognize and modify negative self-talk.

Question 18

cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer 18

integrative therapy that combines cognitive therapy (changing self-defeating thinking) with behavior therapy (changing behavior)
aims to alter the way people act and the way they think
helps people learn to make more realistic appraisals

Question 19

Group therapy and its benefits

Answer 19

Conducted with groups rather than individuals, used when clients’ problems involve interactions with others
Benefits: saves therapist time and clients money, encourages exploration of social behaviors and social skill development enables people to see that others share their problems, provides feedback as clients try out new ways of behaving

Question 20

Family therapy

Answer 20

Attempts to open up communication within the family and help family members discover and use conflict resolution strategies.
Treats family as a system
Views an individual’s unwanted behaviors as influenced by or directed at other family members

Question 21

Self-help groups

Answer 21

More than 100 million Americans have participated in small religious, interest, or support groups that meet regularly.
In an individualist age, with more people living alone or feeling isolated, the popularity of support groups—for the addicted, the bereaved, the divorced, or simply for those seeking fellowship and growth—may reflect a longing for community and connectedness.