WMNST 325 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Psychopathology, Intersectionality, Narrative Therapy
Document Summary
Change occurs by exploring patterns of thinking and beliefs that lead to self- destructive behavior. Once an individual understands the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors they are able to modify or change their patterns of thinking and cope more adaptively. Change through increased awareness of here-and now experience. Focus on the process what is actually happening and the content what is being talked about. Emphasizes what is going on in the present moment with both the client and the therapist rather than focusing on the past or the future. Change of behavior through reinforcements and punishment. Explanations see mental illness as natural and related to hormones or brain structures. Suggest that mental illness is supported by larger structures; societal institutions, practices, morals, beliefs. Mental illness is viewed as a stress reaction to homelessness, isolation, unemployment, racism, poverty. Problem is the result of interactions within the couple/family.
