Psychotherapy Theories

Question 1

What is psychoanalysis?

Answer 1

Sigmund Freud - investigates interaction between conscious and unconscious; brings repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious through techniques

Question 2

What are three methods/techniques of psychoanalysis?

Answer 2

Free association, hypnosis, dream interpretation

Question 3

What is the goal of psychoanalysis?

Answer 3

Not to cure, but to help the client gain insight into the conditions of his/her illness.

Question 4

What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy?

Answer 4

Albert Ellis - at the root of emotional problems are irrational beliefs, which, despite causing unhappiness, anxiety, malaise, are nonetheless held onto by the individual; the beliefs are unrealistic

Question 5

REBT treatment and goal

Answer 5

Treatment: uncovering and dislodging these unrealistic, irrational beliefs afford the client relief and healing. Goal: uncovering and dissecting these faulty belief systems and giving the client the necessary tools to effectively deactivate them while replacing them with healthy, realistic belief systems

Question 6

What are the methods/techniques of REBT?

Answer 6

Identification, analyzing, revealing, cultivating, equipping

Question 7

REBT & efficacy

Answer 7

Phobias, addictions, depression

Question 8

Existential therapy

Answer 8

Viktor Frankl, Irvin Yalom - embraces personal freedom and choice; humans choose their own existence and meaning; focuses on concepts that are universally applicable to human existence including death, freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life

Question 9

What are the methods/techniques of existential therapy?

Answer 9

Therapist as a guide, conditions of essential concern, contradictory resolution

Question 10

Reality Therapy

Answer 10

William Powers and William Glasser - individuals are not passive victims of their environment but active, empowered, autonomous entities - addressing things in the present

Question 11

What are the methods/techniques of reality therapy?

Answer 11

Identification, empowerment, responsibility, “now” centeredness, holistic view, brevity, therapist’s role, rejection of transference

Question 12

Humanistic Therapy

Answer 12

Carl Rogers - focused on personal growth and how the therapist can facilitate this for the client by an empathetic understanding of the client’s worldview and reality

Question 13

Humanistic Therapy view of human nature

Answer 13

All humans are ultimately positive and trusting and have a capacity for authentic self-awareness, unselfish love, and sustainable spiritual growth

Question 14

Humanistic Therapy process

Answer 14

The therapist assists the client in a transformative journey to ever-greater self-understanding and self-realization in a process of self-discovery

Question 15

Humanistic Therapy methods/techniques

Answer 15

Authenticity, acceptance, empathy, collaboration

Question 16

Gestalt Therapy

Answer 16

Emphasizes direct awareness. Places great importance on the experience of the present moment-the “now”-all change is experienced in the moment. This theory de-emphasizes memories

Question 17

Describe Gestalt Therapy “experiments”

Answer 17

Therapist creates an experiment in which clients participate in order to gain greater insight and self-awareness. Ex: role playing, analysis of metaphors, and reliving past incidents

Question 18

Gestalt Therapy - Efficacy

Answer 18

Ideal for people who are willing to challenge themselves and see the world from a new perspective. This is especially helpful for individuals overcoming dysfunctional attitudes or behaviors that have arisen from faulty or misdirected awareness

Question 19

Behavior Therapy

Answer 19

A reaction to the introspectionism and innatism of psychoanalytic traditions. Behaviorism rejects any aspects of psychology that cannot be objectively measured, operationally defined, or subjected to controlled experiment and interobserver reality. The origin of the behavior is irrelevant - the focus is on the observable behaviors and treatment

Question 20

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Answer 20

Psycho-social intervention that aims to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions; primarily anxiety and depression