CAS PS 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Restructuring

• School: Boston University
• Department: Psychological & Brain Sciences
• Course: CAS PS 101
• Professor: Robert Reinhart

Document Summary

Clinicians use two basic categories of techniques to treat mental disorders: Generally aimed at changing patterns of thought or behavior. More than 400 psychotherapy approaches to treatment, although many therapists follow an eclectic approach and use a variety of techniques. Goal of eclectic approach is to tailor therapy to each individual"s needs. Evidence-based therapy is psychological treatment that improves outcomes above and beyond no treatment. Treatment involved uncovering unconscious feelings and drives that gave rise to maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Techniques included free association and dream analysis. Goal of psychoanalysis is to help clients gain insight into their unconscious and how these processes affect daily functioning. Psychodynamic therapy has become increasingly controversial: expensive, time consuming, little evidence of effectiveness. Proponents argue that there is great value in understanding one"s self and the uderlying causes of thoughts and behavior. Researchers have found positive health effects for people who disclose emotional events.