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THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Core Purpose of Psychological Therapies

Therapies in psychology aim to alleviate psychological distress, improve mental health, and address disorders using various approaches grounded in theory and research evidence. Evaluating the appropriateness and effectiveness of these treatments is a key requirement at A-level.

Therapy Type Outline

1

Biological Therapies

Altering physiological or neurochemical dysfunction (Drug Therapy).
2

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Highly influential psychological therapy combining cognitive and behavioural techniques.
3

Psychodynamic Therapy

Aims to bring unconscious conflicts and childhood issues to conscious awareness.
4

Humanistic Therapy

Emphasises personal growth, self-actualisation, and self-concept.

Drug Therapy Glossary

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Antidepressants (SSRIs)

Increase serotonin levels; used for depression and anxiety.
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Antipsychotics

Block dopamine receptors; used for schizophrenia.
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Anti-anxiety Drugs

Benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity, promoting calmness.

Biological Therapies: Pros vs Cons

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AdvantagesEffective for reducing symptoms quickly, easily administered.
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DisadvantagesSide effects (weight gain, drowsiness), do not address underlying cause, possible dependency.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly influential psychological therapy combining cognitive and behavioural techniques to change unhelpful thinking and behaviour.

Components:

Cognitive Component: Identifies and challenges negative or irrational thoughts (cognitive distortions) such as catastrophising or overgeneralisation. Behavioural Component: Uses techniques like behavioural activation, exposure therapy, or skills training to modify maladaptive behaviours.
Process: Typically time-limited (6-20 sessions), structured, collaborative between therapist and client.

CBT Efficacy Insight

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Empirical Support: CBT has strong empirical support through clinical trials. It focuses on present problems and practical coping skills, making it effective for depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD.

Psychodynamic Therapy Dialogue

Psychodynamic therapy aims for deep insight, but its methodology faces limitations compared to structured therapies like CBT.

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Why is the evidence base for Freudian Psychodynamic therapy often limited?
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Because it's insight-oriented, long-term, and relies on subjective techniques like free association, making controlled measurement difficult.

Humanistic Therapy Goal

Rogerian (client-centred) therapy aims to close the gap between how the client sees themselves and who they ideally want to be.

Self-Actualisation ∝ (Self - Ideal Self)
The therapist provides unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness to reduce incongruence and increase self-esteem.

Behavioural Therapy Techniques

These therapies focus on learning principles to reduce problematic behaviours directly.

I

Systematic Desensitisation

Uses gradual exposure paired with relaxation to reduce phobic anxiety.
II

Flooding

Intense exposure to feared stimuli preventing avoidance.
III

Aversion Therapy

Links undesirable behaviour with unpleasant stimuli.

Treatment Evaluation Metrics

Effectiveness and appropriateness must be critically assessed using multiple criteria.

Focus Metric Criteria Type Cost Relapse Culture Ethics
Effectiveness Outcomes Symptom reduction Severity Low/High Rates Sensitivity Consent
Appropriateness Fit Patient preference Individual differences Practicality Functioning Avoid harm Confidentiality

Research and Evidence Standards

The Smart Ledger highlights key components of the evidence base supporting modern clinical psychology.

Evidence Type / Standard Description Impact
Controlled Trials CBT, Drug therapies High support
Meta-analyses Provide evidence of efficacy Wide consensus
Ongoing research Develops new treatments Refinement
Evidence-based practice Standard in modern clinical psychology Necessary
Therapeutic Approaches Deck
Term
Main Goal of Therapeutic Approaches

What is the main goal of therapeutic approaches in psychology?

Answer
Goal

To alleviate psychological distress, improve mental health, and treat disorders.

Term
Types of Biological Therapies

Name three types of biological therapies.

Answer
Examples

Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs.

Term
How SSRIs Work

How do antidepressants like SSRIs work?

Answer
Mechanism

They increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Term
Feature of CBT

What is a key feature of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Answer
Feature

It combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to change negative thoughts and behaviors.

Term
CBT Disorders

Which disorders is CBT most effective for?

Answer
Disorders

Depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and OCD.

Term
Psychodynamic Therapy Focus

What is the focus of psychodynamic therapy?

Answer
Focus

Bringing unconscious conflicts and childhood issues to conscious awareness.

Term
Psychodynamic Technique

What technique is commonly used in psychodynamic therapy?

Answer
Technique

Free association.

Term
Aim of Humanistic Therapy

What is the aim of humanistic therapy?

Answer
Aim

To promote personal growth and self-actualisation through empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Term
Behavioural Therapy Technique

What behavioural therapy technique uses gradual exposure combined with relaxation?

Answer
Technique

Systematic Desensitisation.

Term
Disadvantages of Drug Therapy

What are common disadvantages of drug therapy?

Answer
Disadvantages

Side effects, dependency risk, and not addressing underlying causes.

Term
Why Combine Therapies?

Why is combining therapies often recommended?

Answer
Reason

It improves long-term outcomes by addressing symptoms and root causes.

Term
Ethical Considerations

What ethical considerations are important in therapy?

Answer
Considerations

Informed consent, confidentiality, and avoiding harm.

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🧠 Therapeutic Approaches in Psychology Quiz

1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by SSRIs in antidepressant therapy?

SSRIs increase serotonin levels, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

2. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

This is a feature of psychodynamic therapy, not CBT.

3. What is a common disadvantage of drug therapies?

Drug therapies often have side effects and may not address root causes.

4. What therapeutic approach emphasizes unconditional positive regard and self-actualisation?

Humanistic therapy focuses on personal growth through empathy and acceptance.

5. Which behavioural therapy technique involves intense exposure to feared stimuli without avoidance?

Flooding exposes clients directly and intensely to fears to reduce anxiety.

πŸ“Š Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Therapies
  • AQA