Revision: Therapeutic Approaches Psychology Commerce (English Medium) Class 12 CBSE

Psychotherapy is a voluntary relationship between the one seeking treatment, or the client, and the one who treats, or the therapist.

The special relationship between the client and the therapist is known as the therapeutic relationship or alliance.

Modelling is the procedure wherein the client learns to behave in a certain way by observing the behaviour of a role model or the therapist who initially acts as the role model.

Persons with behavioural problems can be given a token as a reward every time a wanted behaviour occurs. The tokens are collected and exchanged for a reward such as an outing for the patient or a treat for the child. This is known as a token economy.

According to Duke and Nowicki (1979), "Behaviour modification is a mode of individual treatment of psychological disturbances in which basic rules of learning discovered and tested in the laboratory are applied to the solution of human problems."

Self-actualisation is defined as an innate or inborn force that moves the person to become more complex, balanced, and integrated, i.e., achieving the complexity and balance without being fragmented.

• 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.

• Behaviour Therapy: Based on behaviourism, mental disorders occur due to faulty learning.
• Focus: Emphasises present behaviour, while the past is considered only to understand causes.
• Basis: Based on classical conditioning by Ivan Pavlov and instrumental conditioning by Edward Thorndike.
• Behavioural Analysis: Identifies malfunctioning behaviour, antecedent factors, and maintaining factors.
• Reinforcement: Uses positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, token economy, and differential reinforcement.
• Techniques: Aversive conditioning, systematic desensitisation, modelling, and relaxation.
• Therapist’s Role: Conduct accurate behavioural analysis and choose suitable techniques to change behaviour.

• CBT is a common therapy for anxiety and depression that helps replace negative thoughts with realistic ones.
• It follows a biopsychosocial approach, addressing biological, psychological, and social causes of distress.
• Cognitive therapy states that psychological problems arise from irrational thoughts and beliefs.
• Albert Ellis’ RET uses the ABC model (Antecedent–Belief–Consequence) to identify and challenge irrational beliefs.
• Aaron Beck’s theory explains how negative automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions cause anxiety and depression.
• CBT is a short-term therapy (10–20 sessions) that teaches effective coping skills.

• Humanistic-existential therapy says distress comes from loneliness and lack of meaning in life.
• People have an inborn need for self-actualisation (personal growth); blocking it causes distress.
• Therapy provides a non-judgmental and accepting environment for free emotional expression.
• The client is responsible for change; the therapist acts as a guide.
• Logotherapy (Frankl) helps clients find meaning in life and overcome existential anxiety.
• Gestalt therapy increases self-awareness by helping clients recognise blocked feelings and experiences.

• Humanistic Approach: Mental disorders occur when the environment blocks personal growth and self-fulfilment.
• Developer & Aim: Developed by Carl Rogers to reduce negative self-image and anxiety.
• Basis: Based on self-actualisation; problems arise when a person’s growth is blocked, especially in childhood.
• Non-Directive Therapy: The therapist does not direct or interpret; the client explores their own feelings.
• Therapeutic Climate: Therapist provides empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.
• Client’s Role: The client does most of the therapeutic work.
• Limitation: Effectiveness is not fully supported by empirical research.

• The specific techniques used in therapy, such as relaxation and cognitive restructuring in CBT, play an important role in the healing process.
• A warm, trusting, and empathetic relationship between the therapist and the client helps in recovery.
• Emotional unburdening during the initial sessions, known as catharsis, reduces distress and supports healing.
• The client’s motivation for change and expectation of improvement also contribute to successful therapy.
• The therapist’s positive nature, emotional stability, and good mental health are important factors in the healing process.

• Alternative therapies like yoga and meditation are used along with or instead of medicines and psychotherapy.
• Yoga includes postures and breathing techniques that improve mental well-being.
• Meditation focuses attention; mindfulness observes thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Sudarshan Kriya Yoga helps reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and improves sleep.
• Kundalini Yoga and mindfulness meditation help in treating OCD and preventing depression relapse.

• Treatment of mental disorders includes reducing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life and level of functioning.
• In severe disorders like schizophrenia, symptom reduction alone is not enough; rehabilitation is needed to improve daily functioning.
• The aim of rehabilitation is to make the patient self-sufficient and a productive member of society.
• Rehabilitation includes occupational therapy, social skills training, cognitive retraining, and vocational training.
• These therapies help improve work discipline, interpersonal skills, cognitive abilities, and job-related skills.