Introduction to Psychology

1
Introduction to Psychology

• Therapies

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Psychotherapy

• Any psychological technique used to facilitate
  positive changes in a persons personality,
  behavior, and adjustment

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Best Practices

• Research indicates the most effective therapies
  based on the presenting problem

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Types of Therapy

• Individual
• Group
• Family
• Play
• Brief

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Conceptualizations of Psychopathology

• Psychodynamic
• Humanistic
• Behavioral

• Cognitive
• Cognitive-behavioral
• Existential

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Psychodynamic Approach

• Disturbances are caused by underlying conflicts
  repression
• Id/ego/superego are in conflict

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Psychodynamic Approach

• Free association saying whatever comes to mind
• Transference/counter-transference
• Catharsis emotional release
• Role of therapist blank screen

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Humanistic Approach

• Carl Rogers
• Non-directive
• Reflection of feelings
• Unconditional positive regard
• Role of therapist supportive empathetic and open

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Humanistic Approach

• Based on the belief that people want to get
  better
• Reflection of ideas/feelings so the person can
  hear his/her own voice

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Existential Therapy

• Being-in-the-world creates conflict
• existential dilemmas not living authentically,
  reaching our potential
• Search for meaning leading a life of purpose
• Role of therapist to confront/challenge, explore

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Behavioral Therapy

• To modify behavior
• Assumption mental illness results from learned
  maladaptive behaviors
• Reinforcing more adaptive behaviors
• For phobias systematic desensitization

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Cognitive Therapy

• Albert Ellis
• Correcting distortions in thinking
• All-or-nothing thinking
• Confronting and reframing irrational thoughts
• Role of the therapist to challenge, encourage
  healthier thought patterns

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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

• Confronting irrational beliefs
• Encouraging specific healthy behaviors
• i.e. Assigning exercise as homework
• Encouraging an alcoholic to note
  situations/triggers and to actively avoid them

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Counseling Skills

• Active listening
• Reiterating the main point
• Reflection of feelings
• Use of open postures

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Therapeutic Skills

• Reframing
• Confrontation
• Making associations inviting the person to
  consider them
• Education
• Use of silence
• Open questions

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Therapeutic Alliance

• Building rapport
• Good match between therapist and client
• Cultural differences?
• Gender differences?

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Confidentiality and Reporting

• When/why do we break confidentiality?
• Tarasoff case duty to warn

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Ethical Issues

• Should therapists give advice?
• Dating/sexual relationships?
• Should therapists receive therapy themselves?