Psychological approaches
Psychodinamic approach.
This theory has been built on Freud’s psychoanalysis approach focussing especially on Oedipus conflict and the role of defence mechanism in order to protect the Ego from intra psychic conflicts principally correlated with sexual instincts.
human disposition and thoughts are deeply conditioned by irrational drives on the unconscious, and through therapeutic intervention it is possible to bring these elements from the unconscious to the conscious mind. Neurosis and hysteria origins are due to the conflict between repressed material of conscious and unconscious, and different mechanism defence reduce anxiety originated from unacceptable impulses.
Using different methods (Dream analysis introspection, childhood memories, unconscious, free association, transference or resistance) the psychologist dig on the past to discover the origin of the problem.
The biggest difference between these approaches is represented by the fact that psychodynamic is less intensive than a psychoanalytical one having a structure with less sessions and focusing in a quicker problems identification in order to find a solution. Both therapies possess the same goal: bring the unconscious to the conscious mind and also possess same point of view also regarding defences mechanism (projection and denials for example).
Cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT is highly structured, collaborative, pragmatic, focused on current problem with a number of session included (generally between 5 and 20) and research show that can be as effective as medication. This approach affirms that there is an interconnection between thought, feeling, physical sensation and behaviour.
For the cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) the focus is on the way in which we think and consequently the impact on the feeling and behaviour (thought- feeling- behaviour cycle), understanding that the distorted cognition could be not the cause, but the result of the disorder.
Humanistic Approach
Carl Rogers affirmed that people are innately positive, rational, original and motivated by the universal predisposition to accomplish their potential and self-actualize. He strongly believed that a positive childhood experience with the right supportive environment will make easier the self-actualization.
From his perspective, the person can become destructive and negative, when environmental bond destroys a person’s self-concept overriding the positive organismic valuing process that help people to make constructive choices. So, his focus regarding psychopathology is the lack of congruence between a person’s “ideal self” and actual self-concept.
Systemic Approach
The roles and behaviours adopted by individuals in any given family or social context are shaped by the unwritten rules of that particular system and the interaction among its members. A change in any part of the family system or group is a way to change the symptoms and dynamics, whether or not the “identified patient” is directly involved in those changes.
The strength of this approach is that it is particularly useful for members of a family who appear to be particularly resistant to undergoing therapy or showing willingness to change; it creates opportunity to explore other avenues for treatment.
Behavioural Approach
In operant conditioning, people learn to perform new behaviours through the consequences of the things they do. If a behaviour they produce is followed by a reinforcement then the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated increases in future (the behaviour is strengthened).
A consequence can be reinforcing in two ways: either the person gets something good (positive reinforcement) or they avoid something bad (negative reinforcement). Conversely, if a behaviour is followed by a punishment then the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated in future decreases (the behaviour is weakened). Whereas classical conditioning only allows the person to produce existing responses to new stimuli, operant conditioning allows them to learn new responses.
Integrative or Holistic Approach
I personally learned that is very important to adopt a holistic approach. Many studies have demonstrated the substantial equivalence between the different forms of psychotherapy, while elements like the quality of the therapeutic relationship that make a difference and prove the essential skills of the therapist, the confidence and motivation of the patient, are essential for a good therapeutic response.
Situational context, duration, time, specific situation, type of problem, therapeutic expectations, goals to be achieved, structure in which it operates represent some of the best indicators to determine which could be the best type of psychological intervention. I am well aware of the fact that the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client represents one of the most important factors necessary for a successful end effective therapy, independent of the therapeutic model chosen.