Compare And Contrast Phodynamic And Cognitive Anxiety

Anxiety is experienced by everyone at different times throughout their life. However, for certain individuals it is more intense and enduring. Anxiety is defined as diffuse, vague, and unpleasant feeling of intense fear and apprehension (Chaurasia, 2013). It can be classified into various disorders, most common of which being General Anxiety Disorder and Phobias. Phobias refer to irrational fear directed towards a specific situation or object (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Psychology includes various approaches that help study different disorders. The following essay aims to understand contrasting views of the cognitive-behavioral and psychoanalytical approach towards phobias.
The most widely used therapy for phobias is the cognitive approach that studies the effect of our thought processes and thinking patterns on our behavior (Trower, 2011). This approach uses the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which analyzes the negative thoughts, and views
Cognitive approach employees the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on the thinking and behavior correction of the individual. Psychoanalytic approach on the other hand, focuses on change in behavior, through in depth interrogation and analysis of the clients past (Greenberg & Fisher, 1978). The analyst then links the experiences to the development of their fear. They focus on giving meaning to the individuals experiences and associating it with their irrational fears. This method may not be accurate as interpretations regarding the event can be subjective. Psychoanalytic approach is time consuming and may prove to have negative effects on the client, as it can bring back painful memories of the past. CBT in comparison requires fewer sessions and is more effective, as it directly aims at helping the individual overcome their phobia, by exposing them to the stimulus in a hierarchal