Question

5) How do the five therapies covered in the second half of the semester (Reality, Behavior, Cognitive-Behavior, Rational-Emotive and Person-Centered) differ from Psychodynamics Theory and the foundation of psychotherapy?

Answer 1

Psychodynamics and psychotherapy has a basis in unconscious motives and desires. Individual' s conscious thoughts has roots in childhood experiences which directly impact current behavior and thoughts. Our unconscious urges motivate us to indulge in repeat behavior patterns.

Free association, the analysis of transference and resistance, and interpretation. The therapy is usally long term. The aim of the therapy is to make client aware concerning his unconscious turning to conscious so that the client will be able to gain insight.

Cognitive behavior therapy centers around individuals perceptions and thoughts that impact the way people about their emotions and behavior. The therapy helps clients to recognise maladaptive thoughts and learn new ways of thinking which directly impact behavior and feelings.

In contrast to psychotherapy, the person-centered therapy revolves around conscious mind and what is happening in the present. However, the psychodynamic approach focuses on the early childhood experiences and conflicts.

Person centered approach focuses on the tendency of individuals to reach the self actualization stage. Here, the therapist takes indirect role or acts as a facilitator to the client. Thus, client has the role of identifying the gap between real and ideal self and strive towrds achieving the congruence.

In the psychodynamic approach, the client' s ego is strengthened. However, person- centered approach the therapist focuses n being a warm relationship and in psychodynamic, the counsellor is blank entity on which the client can show their feelings.

Rational emotive approach focuses on identifying the irrational thoughts and negative patterns of behavior. A therapist will help the client to learn strategies to replace those with positive rational thoughts.

Thus, psychodyanmics has a basis in unconscious whereas other therapies are focused more on conscious and present.