Psychology and Psychotherapy Articles
Abstract
This article discusses anger as a psycho-biological adaptation and suggests ways by which to utilize and incorporate it into the counseling process. Anger is further discussed as a homeostatic adjustment by which anxiety, depression and ego diffusion can be temporarily ameliorated in order to facilitate symptomatic improvement and self-restoration for the client.
[Read more…] about Adaptive Anger – a homeostatic factor in psychotherapy
In the past several decades the so-called medical model initially espoused by Freud, Jung and others has been called into question (Holt 1986), (Wax, 1986), (Eysenck, 1986). Modern thinking (at least in some circles) holds that psychopathology cannot be classified as a “disease,” nor treated in the same systemic way that a physician might treat a medical disorder; for example by considering not only specific symptoms but overall body homeostasis vis a vis the influence of one organ system upon another. Among the more focal concerns of modern therapists are maladaptive thoughts (schemes) and behaviors that are typically addressed in strict deterministic fashion, e.g…. change the schemes and behaviors and the client is in effect, cured.
In streamlining the counseling process, practitioners of behavioral and cognitive methods have in many instances obtained positive results (Clark & Fairbum 1997) (Grant & Cash 1995) (Rosen, Reiter et al 1995). Just how those results pertain to the highly functional, and arguably non systemic nature of their method is another question. As Just & Varma (2007) have suggested it is difficult to conceive of the mind as being other than systemic. Mayer (2005) has offered a similarly systemic view of the personality. The fact that we use defenses, whereby compensations and adjustments serve to counteract anxiety, depression and other discomforting mood states shows that overall stability is indeed an important aspect of the personality. Consequently, one might expect that in systemic terms, behaviors and schemata would interact with one another in a dynamic way, eventually settling in on stable attitudinal and response systems rather than merely being engaged in functional interactions vis a vis the social environment. [Read more…] about THE SELF AND WELLNESS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
Abstract
Neurotransmission anomalies and reinforcement depletion are discussed as interchangeable antecedent mechanisms in depression. A possible augmentation to Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is presented in the form of an experience-extenuating life style resulting from a process of continued learning and self actualization
Neurotransmission anomalies and reinforcement depletion are discussed as interchangeable antecedent mechanisms in depression. A possible augmentation to Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is presented in the form of an experience-extenuating life style resulting from a process of continued learning and self actualization
Martin Seligman was among the first to discuss learned helplessness, which he believed was a crucial factor in the onset of depression (1965). He proposed that a historical disconnect between overt or covert behavior and reinforcement could lead to an enduring proneness to response suppression and his thesis was supported by subsequent research (Roth, 1980) He considered response suppression to be the operant correlate of depression and came to believe that a kind of psycho-inoculation against depression could be provided by affording young children clear and voluminous correlations between behavior and reinforcement at crucial phases of development (Seligman 1990). [Read more…] about A Discussion of Psycho-immunity to Depression in relation to Reinforcement and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
by Guru Drijtka
The picture of how we see ourselves and not the one other sees it becomes an important key of our life. Following this self image we behave accordingly the way we think we are and as long as we keep that picture in our mind there’s nothing we can do to change, not by will power, commitment or determination. So the logical step here is to change the way we see ourselves, but that sure sounds easier said than done. In order to transform our self picture we must first understand the way this image comes alive in our mind. We start drawing this picture right from the birth when we make our first impressions about life by collecting idea after idea regarding what we think is good or bad, beautiful or ugly, smart or dumb. And through repetition, these sometimes false concepts, keeps getting deeper and deeper into our mind and so we start adding them to the canvas one by one illustrating the painting of what we think we are. Depending on the believes we gathered along our life our self image can bring us success and happiness in life or on the other hand failure and misery. But this image is NOT who we are… it’s who we THINK we are. And to find out who we really are we must start questioning our believes that were imprinted in our thoughts all our lives… and when your believe system falls apart you will be ready to receive the truth about yourself: “you are spiritually whole, complete and perfect”. This higher state of being cannot be destroyed no matter what life trows at us; it’s in all of us, we just have to find it and once we found it we must channel it through our thoughts. Often people are mislead by thinking they are what they do… remember we are spiritually perfect but in many cases what we do is not perfect. Luckily we can change all that by positive thinking and affirmation of self perfection. This will transform what we do in perfection and since we are creators and we live through our creations… we can enjoy living our perfect life!
By Steven Frankel, M.D.
People who go into therapy frequently report good experiences where the patient feels understood and well-supported by the therapist, who uses his or her therapeutic skills to facilitate a discovery and healing process.
But what if your therapy frustrates you? What if your therapist is off base and you don’t seem to be making progress? What happens if you can’t communicate with your therapist?
Here are several tips for getting more out of your therapy by learning how to REALLY communicate with your therapist.
#1: Take ownership of your therapy
It’s tempting to believe your therapist has all the answers, and it may seem easiest to let the therapist make all decisions about treatment. You might even feel afraid of asking questions or discussing concerns about your therapy.
Remember that therapists are human beings and have the same flaws as the rest of us. Therapy is a subjective process, and the therapist can only give his or her own subjectively colored opinion, which has been shaped by his training and life experiences. That viewpoint may not always be the right one for you.
As the “consumer” in the therapy partnership, it’s your responsibility to look after your best interests and to be an active participant in your therapy. If something isn’t working, it’s up to you to talk about it with your therapist. The message is clear: Take your therapist off the pedestal and take ownership of your therapy. [Read more…] about How to REALLY Talk to your Therapist: Four Collaborative Steps
By Steven Frankel, M.D.
The decision to work with a therapist is never straightforward, but there are times in life when we just need that extra emotional support. While we may have loved ones who will help us through rough times, it is often a good idea to seek the less biased support of a professional when dealing with life’s difficult emotional challenges.
Many people who go into therapy have good experiences. The patient feels understood and well supported by the therapist, who uses his skills to facilitate the patient’s discovery and healing process. But what if your therapy leaves you feeling frustrated? What if you believe your therapist isn’t “getting you”? What if you aren’t receiving the outcome you expected?
If your therapy isn’t going well, where does the responsibility lie? Is it with you? Or could it be the type of therapy you have selected or even the therapist? What is the best way to talk to your therapist about these issues?
It’s not uncommon in any therapist-patient relationship for the patient to expect that the doctor will be all-wise and all-knowing. Sometimes the patient assumes the therapist will take care of everything and that he or she, the patient, must simply follow doctor’s orders. It may seem easier to let the professional call the shots and make the decisions about treatment. As the patient you might feel reluctant to ask questions or voice concerns. [Read more…] about Getting the Most Out of Therapy: How to Collaborate With Your Therapist
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