Forms of Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy includes modern approaches like group therapy, family therapy, marital therapy, client-centred therapy, behaviour therapy, self-help groups, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
• Modern therapies use different methods for individuals and groups, unlike traditional Freudian psychoanalysis.
• All psychotherapies aim to reduce distress and promote effective behaviour, though their methods and techniques differ.

Parameter 1: Cause of Problem

• Psychodynamic therapy: Problems arise from intrapsychic conflicts.
• Behaviour therapy: Problems result from faulty learning of behaviour and cognition.
• Existential therapy: Problems arise from a lack of meaning in life and existential concerns.

Parameter 2: Origin of Cause

• Psychodynamic therapy: Origin lies in unfulfilled childhood desires and unresolved fears.
• Behaviour therapy: Origin lies in faulty conditioning, learning, thinking, and beliefs.
• Existential therapy: Origin lies in present feelings of loneliness, alienation, and lack of life meaning.

Parameter 3: Chief Treatment Method

• Psychodynamic therapy: Uses free association and dream analysis with therapist interpretation.
• Behaviour therapy: Identifies faulty behaviours and replaces them with healthier patterns using cognitive methods.
• Existential therapy: Provides a supportive, accepting environment to help the client grow and find meaning.

Parameter 4: Therapeutic Relationship

• Psychodynamic therapy: Therapist interprets the client’s conflicts and understands them better.
• Behaviour therapy: Therapist guides and teaches correct behaviours and thoughts.
• Existential therapy: Therapist provides a warm, empathic space for self-exploration.

Parameter 5: Chief Client Benefit

• Forms: Psychotherapy includes group, family, marital, client-centred, and behaviour therapies.
• Types: Three main types — psychodynamic, behaviour, and existential therapy.
• Cause: Psychodynamic—inner conflicts; Behaviour—faulty learning; Existential—lack of life meaning.
• Treatment: Psychodynamic uses free association; Behaviour changes faulty behaviour; Existential supports self-growth.
• Clinical formulation: Explains the client’s problem and guides treatment.