Question

What are the different types of psychotherapy? On what basis are they classified?

Answer 1

Different types of psychotherapy are:-

1. Psychodynamic therapy
2. Behaviour therapy
3. Humanistic-existential therapy
4. Biomedical therapy

Also, there are are many alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, herbal remedies etc.

Basis of classification of psychotherapy :-

1. On the cause which has led to the problem :-

Psychodynamic therapy is of the view that intrapsychic conflicts, i.e. the conflicts that are present within the psyche of the person, are the source of psychological problems.

2. On how did the cause come into existence :-

The psychodynamic therapy, unfulfilled desires of childhood and unresolved childhood fears lead to intrapsychic conflicts.

3. What is the chief method of treatment? :-

Psychodynamic therapy uses the methods of free association and reporting of dreams to elicit the thoughts and feelings of the client.

4. What is the nature of the therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist? :-

Psychodynamic therapy assumes that the therapist understands the client’s intrapsychic conflicts better than the client and hence it is the therapist who interprets the thoughts and feelings of the client to her/him so that s/he gains an understanding of the same.

5. What is the chief benefit to the client? :-

Psychodynamic therapy values emotional insight as the important benefit that the client derives from the treatment. Emotional insight is present when the client understands her/his conflicts intellectually; is able to accept the same emotionally; and is able to change her/his emotions towards the conflicts.

6. On the duration of treatment :-

The duration of classical psycho- analysis may continue for several years. However, several recent versions of psychodynamic therapies are completed in 10–15 sessions.