Thought Focused Treatments
Thought-Focused Treatments
Different approaches to therapy exist. Understanding the different approaches can help clinicians offer better interventions based on the nature of the problem and the desired outcome. Two main approached to therapy exist: psychoanalytical and thought-focused treatments. Thought-focused treatment approaches developed as psychologists began to challenge the practices of psychoanalytical treatments. Differences in beliefs in the interaction of cognition, emotions, and behavior of humans, therapy process, and therapeutic interventions exist between psychoanalytical and thought-process treatments.
The main goal of psychoanalytical treatment is to achieve the best equilibrium possible for the functioning of the ego, which is ruled by the reality principle (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The focus of the psychoanalytical treatment approach is on the clinician listening to clients talk about their past in order to look for significant events that may be causing problems in the lives of clients. Clinicians who use psychoanalysis believe that past events, especially those from childhood, and unconscious feelings have an impact in the behavior of the clients and in their mental health. Psychoanalysis focuses on emotions rather than cognitions. In this approach, the client does most of the talking, but the clinician actively guides the therapy session while maintaining a non-judgmental and empathetic attitude towards the client. Clinicians do not display their personality in order to allow transference to occur. Psychoanalytical treatment is a long-term form of therapy usually lasting for more than two years.
The main goal of thought-focused treatment systems is to help clients become aware of and modify their thoughts in order to change their feelings and actions (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The focus of thought-focused treatment approaches is on the clinician listening to clients talk about a problem they are presently
Different approaches to therapy exist. Understanding the different approaches can help clinicians offer better interventions based on the nature of the problem and the desired outcome. Two main approached to therapy exist: psychoanalytical and thought-focused treatments. Thought-focused treatment approaches developed as psychologists began to challenge the practices of psychoanalytical treatments. Differences in beliefs in the interaction of cognition, emotions, and behavior of humans, therapy process, and therapeutic interventions exist between psychoanalytical and thought-process treatments.
The main goal of psychoanalytical treatment is to achieve the best equilibrium possible for the functioning of the ego, which is ruled by the reality principle (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The focus of the psychoanalytical treatment approach is on the clinician listening to clients talk about their past in order to look for significant events that may be causing problems in the lives of clients. Clinicians who use psychoanalysis believe that past events, especially those from childhood, and unconscious feelings have an impact in the behavior of the clients and in their mental health. Psychoanalysis focuses on emotions rather than cognitions. In this approach, the client does most of the talking, but the clinician actively guides the therapy session while maintaining a non-judgmental and empathetic attitude towards the client. Clinicians do not display their personality in order to allow transference to occur. Psychoanalytical treatment is a long-term form of therapy usually lasting for more than two years.
The main goal of thought-focused treatment systems is to help clients become aware of and modify their thoughts in order to change their feelings and actions (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The focus of thought-focused treatment approaches is on the clinician listening to clients talk about a problem they are presently
References: Changing Minds. (2011). Ellis’ irrational beliefs. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://changingminds.org/explanations/belief/irrational_beliefs.htm Grohol, J.M. (2004, September 21). Types of therapies: theoretical orientations and practices of therapists. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://psychcentral.com/therapy.htm Seligman, L. W. & Reichenberg, L. W. (2009). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems, strategies, and skills (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson