Structured Study Notes: Major Approaches to Psychological Therapy and Biological Treatments

Major Approaches to Therapy

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors through principles of learning, particularly conditioning. It is based on the idea that behaviors can be learned and unlearned.

• Techniques: Reinforcement, punishment, modeling

• Focus: Changing observable behaviors

• Example: Using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors in children with behavioral issues.

Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic therapy emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the achievement of human potential. It is client-centered and focuses on the individual's subjective experience.

• Client-Centered Therapy (Carl Rogers):

  • Core Principle: Unconditional Positive Regard

  • Goal: Foster self-growth, authenticity, and self-acceptance

  • Example: Therapist provides a nonjudgmental environment, allowing the client to explore feelings openly.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious conflicts, childhood experiences, and the influence of the past on present behavior. It is rooted in Freudian theory.

• Focus: Unconscious conflicts, childhood experiences

• Technique: Free Association (patients say whatever comes to mind)

• Example: Exploring repressed memories to understand current relationship difficulties.

Systematic Desensitization

Systematic desensitization is a behavioral technique used to treat phobias and anxiety by gradually exposing patients to feared stimuli while teaching relaxation techniques.

• Used for: Phobias/anxiety

• Steps:

  1. Create a fear hierarchy

  2. Teach relaxation techniques

  3. Gradually expose patient to feared stimuli

• Example: Gradually exposing a person with a fear of spiders to pictures, then real spiders, while practicing relaxation.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and restructuring distorted thoughts to improve emotional well-being and behavior.

• Focus: Identifying and restructuring distorted thoughts

• Goal: Reduce negative thinking patterns → healthier emotions/behaviors

• Example: Challenging irrational beliefs in a person with depression to foster more realistic thinking.

Biological Therapy

Biological therapies involve the use of medications and medical procedures to treat psychological disorders. These approaches target the biological basis of mental illness.

Drug Types, Purposes, Examples, and Common Side Effects

Drug Type	Purpose	Examples	Common Side Effects
Anti-Anxiety	Reduce tension/anxiety	Benzodiazepines	Drowsiness, dependence
Antidepressants	Treat depression	SSRIs, SNRIs	Weight gain, sexual dysfunction
Mood Stabilizers	Treat bipolar disorder	Lithium	Tremors, kidney issues
Antipsychotics	Treat schizophrenia	Typical & atypical antipsychotics	Weight gain, tardive dyskinesia
Stimulants	Treat ADHD	Ritalin (methylphenidate)	Insomnia, appetite loss

Other Biological Interventions

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):

  • Used for severe depression when other treatments fail

  • Involves controlled electrical stimulation of the brain under anesthesia

  • Example: ECT may be used for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

Providers

Different mental health professionals provide therapy and treatment, each with specific training and focus.

Provider	Training	Focus
Clinical Psychologist	PhD/PsyD	Assessment, therapy, research
Psychiatrist	MD	Prescribes medication, medical management
Counseling Psychologist	MA/PhD	Guidance, adjustment issues, therapy

Summary

This study guide provides concise definitions, key terms, and side effects for major psychological therapies and biological treatments. It is designed for exam preparation and quick review.