Theories of Psychotherapy - Essay Example

Theories of Psychotherapy Abstract Psychotherapy encompasses all the techniques and processes that are related with the treatment of mental health, emotional well-being and psychiatric disorders. Psychotherapy empowers the individual to understand self, find out reasons that are responsible for inducing positivity and enable the patients to realize their strengths and accept their weaknesses. Realization is the most imperative component of the psychotherapy, an understanding towards this coping mechanisms enable them to deal with tough circumstances. Psychoanalysis is performed to understand the behavior and emotions of the individual. These factors remain hidden in the unconscious mind and generate gloom. In some situations symptoms can be distinguished while in others it could result in individual attributes, impede performance in professional as well as personal fronts. All these affects the self esteem of the individual, hence there is a need to undergo psychoanalytic treatment and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy determines the chronological basis of the problem, changes that took place over point in time and empowers and individual to deal with the truth. Introduction Medilexicon's medical dictionary defined psychotherapy as "Treatment of emotional, behavioral, personality and psychiatric disorders based primarily on verbal or nonverbal communication and interventions with the patient in contrast to treatments using chemical and physical measures". Psychotherapy thus intend to assuage psychological distress by means of conversation as compared to drugs (What Is Psychotherapy? What Are The Benefits Of Psychotherapy?). As psychotherapy refers to talking treatment, a good communication skill is desired, psychotherapist must be an expert in communicating with the patient, narrating stories, drama and artwork. The true psychotherapy began in the 19th century with psychoanalysis. Psychotherapy is generally utilized to deal with the psychological issues. In certain cases the psychological issues take a long time to accrue. A bond of trust and faith between the patient and the psychotherapist is the most essential consideration for psychotherapy, as psychological treatment can prolong for a greater length of time starting from months and may last for years. The therapy requires one-to-one treatment, where the individual has to deal with the therapist directly (What Is Psychotherapy? What Are The Benefits Of Psychotherapy?). In certain cases group therapy is also required where psychotherapy and psychoanalysis of the entire group, their interactions and their mutual co-ordination as psychotherapy encompasses treatment of cataleptic factors encumbering relationships, work performance, mood alterations and their impact on self esteem. The method is based on the verbal procedures. The sole motive of psychotherapy is to resolve the issues related with psychological problems by conveying cataleptic clashes to the cognizant mind, where they may be tackled and determined. The focus is on basic approaches of practicing concerns and being judgmental on them as compared to the focus on behavior. Psychotherapy therefore focuses on altering the personality of the individual in a complete manner in contrast to bringing alteration only in behavior. Psychotherapy is devised to fortify self-image, enhance attentiveness, alertness and to gain control on emotions so as to avoid emotional distress. It is a slow but continuous process and may take years to be accomplished. A psychotherapist plays an inert role and guide the individual but unlike teacher the psychotherapist cannot teach. It is imperative that the psychotherapist should understand the emotional confrontation of the individual; it then becomes essential to bring the issue to the aching consciousness. A psychotherapist reveals the derivation of the poignant confrontation. In order to make the therapy an effective method it becomes highly essential for the individual to deal with the concerns and resolve them rather than running away or ignoring the cause. To accomplish the task in an appropriate manner various theories have been postulated to enhance the person's prudence of well being, improve the mental health of the individual and to establish congenial relationship with the group, both at the personal, family relationship and at the professional front. Sigmund Freud was the pioneer in developing Psychotherapy Theory. Stating that, personality of the individual is shaped by diverse factors that enable an individual to react with the situation and respond to the world. The theory states that every individual is born with an identity and personality of the individual revolves around this identity, facilitating growth as it expresses the congregation of basic needs and how well they are met (Models of Understanding Human Behavior). Other theories that were proposed involves- I. Adler's theory given by Alfred Adler, an Austrian physician and psychotherapist worked with Sigmund Freud and then faced a split with Freud which paved the way to become an independent psychotherapist. According to Adler's theory every individual is responsible for creating one's own destiny. According to Adler, every individual should provide their lives with a motive, a goal to accomplish and sort out the directions to accomplish the goal. Lack of appropriate goals does not involve a meaningful life (Fassino, 2008). The basic philosophy of Adlerian therapy- It encompasses motivating the individual towards the set objectives or goals. It involves social interest that motivates the individual to march ahead to meet the objectives and deal with the obstacles that hinder the accomplishment of the set goals. The motivation involves realizing one's positive attitude, abilities and strengths, to co-operate with every other person in the society. Co-operation with everyone in the society inculcates a feeling of self-worth and generate an atmosphere of trust. This approach minimizes stress in everyday-life as a result a person feels good and influence others to possess positive approach. Every individual shapes the personality, set an aim or an objective to lead the life, implement a style that persists all through the life. It is therefore imperative that early years of development should be constructive and devoid of complications (Fassino, 2008). Key concepts of Adlerian therapy- Adlerian theory involves harmony of personality, it provides a new outlook to the individual to perceive things in the society, to possess an individual viewpoint. The theory highlights the importance of set objectives and inspiration to achieve the set objectives. Individuals are motivated through societies and goals add meaning to their lives. On the other hand the theory emphasize the importance and pre-eminence, mounting a distinctive survival, and liberal the family gathering. The therapy is to motivate the patients in realizing their strengths and change the lifestyle of the behavior accordingly. Goals of therapy Goals of the therapy encompasses, presenting an objective for the patient, encouraging individuals to set goals that are socially productive to develop the feeling of belongingness for the society (Gerald, 2005). Therapeutic relationship A bond of trust must be present if the goals are found to be defective. Alterations could be made to modify lifestyle in order to lead a happy life. Limitation of the approaches The theory is weak as it lacks accuracy, testability, and pragmatic strength and be liable to generalize some gross issues that had a significant impact on the life of the individual (Gerald, 2005). II. Person-centered therapy- was given by Carl Rogers, the father of the humanistic movement in psychotherapy. The Basic Philosophies- According to this theory, humans are positive beings and apt to be efficient and purposeful. the theory offers an approach to realize the potentials that an individual possess and drive an individual towards enhancing alertness, faith, impulsiveness, self-belief and inner consciousness. Key concepts The patient possesses impending towards generating awareness to resolve the issues and problems. A firmness and faith is highly placed and that serves as a means for self-governance. Here mental health becomes imperative and the provides wisdom to discriminate ideal self and real self. Any kind of maladjustment culminates into incongruity between what one wanted to achieve or would like to achieve and what one gets in hand (Enguidanos, 2011). Goals of Therapy The therapy is solely concerned with the individual and provides a encouraging environment for self-exploration in order to understand what one can choose and witness growth and progress. It aims at providing a stress free and safe atmosphere to the individual for holistic development. The theory encourages the individual to display openness, honesty, superior conviction in self, enthusiasm as well as enhanced impulsiveness and liveliness. The Therapeutic Relationship It is desired that the patient must recognize the characters of self and also of the therapist, a bond of empathy must co-exist between the two, thereby integrating legality, compassion, accurate, reverential, as well as non-judgmental communication is established between the patient and the psychotherapist. An understanding that is built in this relationship is transmitted to other relationships as well (Gerald, 2005). Limitations of the Approach In certain cases a feeling of insecurity is observed where a patient may feel jeopardy from the psychotherapist, who may stay passive or inactive, restraining answers to manifestations. Patients may display a need of larger directives towards the structures and techniques to continue with the process of psychotherapy especially when the patient demands greater care to deal with the critical situations. Functional to personage psychotherapy, a few cultural assemblages desire more counseling. The theory displays the rigidness of thoughts and therefore it should be reevaluated with an approach to incorporate the situations of current scenario and introduce flexibility in thoughts (Gerald, 2005). III. Cognitive Behavior therapy (CBT) CBT encompass psychotherapeutic approach by means of communication. The theory is designed to resolve issues related with dysfunctional sentiments related to conduct and cognition all the way through a targeted-oriented, methodical process as it is an amalgamation of behavioral as well as cognitive theory (Olatunji, 2010). The theory is widely accepted and finds its application in dealing varied situations encompassing temper, apprehensions, persona, eating deeds, substance abuse as well as psychotic turmoil (Butler, 2006; Olatunji, 2010). According to the studies carried out by Butler et al, (2006), CBT finds a wider range of application especially in treating unipolar depression, anxiety and panic disorders, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder as well as anxiety related childhood disorders, childhood somatic disorders as well as to deal with the situations of chronic pain. The study carried out by Butler et al, also indicate that CBT is highly effective for dealing with nuptial distress, annoyance. CBT was found to be advanced as compared to antidepressants used to treat adult depression and therefore it also finds application in dealing with behavior related disorders. CBT was found to be effective for treating bulimia nervosa and schizophrenia as well. The Basic Philosophies CBT enables individuals to evade negative thoughts that are responsible for faulty thoughts causing emotional and behavioral distress as it is established that cognitions are the chief determinants of individual feelings and therefore CBT emphasizes on behavior and cognition and therefore CBT has emerged as psycho-educational model, incorporating learning procedure, innovative skills to cope with the varied issues. Key concepts It is observed that certain psychological issues are seeded in the childhood itself, and hence the cause of anxiety could be the individual beliefs. Essentially, internal dialogue plays an imperative role in formulating behavior (Gerald, 2005). Goals of therapy CBT is directed towards removal of defective supposition and misapprehensions with effectual values. Changing thoughts is the most imperative method of the CBT. Therapeutic relationship CBT involves A-B-C model of altering cognitions and is associated with the collaborative relationships. The psychotherapist encourages remedial understandings leading to learning innovative skills (Gerald, 2005). Limitations of the approaches The CBT theory aims at altering emotions without attending the deep rooted reasons of conflicts in sub-conscious minds and therefore premature termination of therapy is observed (Gerald, 2005). References 1. Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Clin Psychol Rev. 26(1), 17-31. 2. Enguidanos, S., Coulourides, K. A., Keefe, B., Geron, S. M., Katz, L. (2011). Patient-centered approach to building problem solving skills among older primary care pateints: problems identified and resolved. J Gerontol Soc Work. 54(3), 276-91. 3. Fassino, S., Amianto, F., Ferrero, A. (2008). Brief Adlerian psychodynamic psychotherapy: theoretical issues and process indicators. Panminerva Med. 50(2), 165-75. 4. Gerald, C. (2005). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (7th ed.). Belmont, CA. Brooks/Cole. 5. Models of Understanding Human Behavior. Available at http://www.scribd.com/doc/512778/Models-Of-Understanding-Human-Behaviour. [Accessed on 15th November 2011]. 6. Olatunji, B. O., Cisler, J.M., Deacon, B. J. (2010). Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: a review of meta-analytic findings. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 33(3), 557-77. Read More