Therapy
Therapy has evolved into a diverse field, offering various approaches to help individuals cope with emotional distress, behavioral challenges, and cognitive patterns. Throughout history, humans have sought ways to heal the mind, from ancient rituals to modern psychological treatments.
By the end of this section, you should know about:
- Medical Therapies—Psychiatric Care
- Therapies—Human to the Core
- The Future of Therapy— Magnets, Groups, and Smartphones
- Self-Management and seeking professional help
Let’s Take a closer look at them.
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Medical Therapies—Psychiatric Care
Psychologists primarily treat severe psychological disorders through somatic (physical) therapies, such as chemotherapy, electrical stimulation, and psychosurgery. Although psychotherapy is effective to eat mental illnesses though, more serious conditions such as major depression or schizophrenia are often treated medically, sometimes in conjunction with psychotherapy for good than any other
Therapeutic drugs
The widespread use of pharmacotherapy (drugs) in the 1950s revolutionized mental health care, especially for disorders such as schizophrenia and major psychosis medications affect neurobiology located in the brain to reduce symptoms, and is particularly useful for conditions related to anxiety, depression or mood disorders
There are three main drugs used in chemotherapy:
Anti-anxiety drugs: These drugs, like Valium, reduce anxiety and promote calmness.
Antidepressants: Prozac and other medications help elevate mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Antipsychotics: Major tranquilizers such as Risperdal reduce delusions and hallucinations in seriously ill patients such as depression.
For example, long-term use of basic sedatives can cause neurological problems such as involuntary facial movements. Similarly, clozapine’s effectiveness in treating schizophrenia carries with it the risk of fatal leukemia in a small percentage of patients Despite these risks, the drug’s benefits often outweigh drawbacks species, especially when treating chronic conditions such as depression. In addition, combining medication and psychotherapy produces better outcomes than medication alone.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) offer an alternative to drug therapy by altering the electrical activity of the brain for ECT has been around since the 1940s and remains controversial, although it can have been very effective for severe depression, especially when other treatments fail
In ECT, a 150-volt pulse passes through the brain, causing a temporary seizure. Muscle relaxants and sedatives are first administered to ease the sadness.
Another method of electrical stimulation involves placing electrodes in specific areas of the brain. This approach is more targeted than ECT and has been successful in treating patients with severe depression who have not responded to medication or ECT. It is also used for other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), to provide relief by stimulating areas of the brain responsible for motivation and pleasure
Psychological Surgery
Psychosurgery, which involves surgical manipulation of the brain, is the most extreme form of treatment for schizophrenia. The most notorious form of psychological surgery, lobotomy, was widely used in the mid-20th century. This procedure involved severing the connections of the facial nerve to sedate patients who had not responded to other treatments. However, lobotomies often caused serious side effects such as personality changes, seizures, emotional exhaustion and were largely discontinued after the advent of antipsychotics
Psychosurgery is rare today but is still used in a few cases. Deep lesions are a more targeted form of surgery, where small areas of the brain are destroyed to treat specific disorders such as severe OCD.
Hospitalization in the mental health system
Hospitalization plays an important role in the treatment of serious mental illness, providing patients with a controlled environment in which to receive treatment . It is especially important for individuals who pose an immediate health or well-being threat, such as substance abuse or psychosis (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011a). Hospitalization provides a break from environmental factors that can exacerbate or perpetuate these conditions.
The role of hospitalization
Hospitalization is a therapeutic and safety measure. For patients struggling with issues such as drug use, hospitalization may cut them off from stimuli and temptations that would otherwise hinder their recovery (André et al., 2003). Psychiatric clinics or specialized mental health units in general hospitals provide support, screening, accommodation and treatment for patients.
However, there can be downsides to hospitalization. In some cases, particularly in large state mental hospitals, this can be an isolating or dehumanizing experience, leading to increased dependency or social withdrawal. For this reason, hospitalization is often used as a last resort when other treatments, such as inpatient treatment, have failed.
Partial hospitalization
An alternative to full hospitalization is partial hospitalization, where patients spend several days in hospital receiving treatment and therapy but return home in the evening this allows them to apply what they have learned during the day in a situation where it is in great truth. Research suggests that partial hospitalization can be as effective as full hospitalization for some individuals (Drymalski & Washburn, 2011; Kiser, Heston, & Paavola, 2006).
Institutional release organizations
The number of residents in large psychiatric hospitals has declined dramatically over the past 50 years due to deinstitutionalization The purpose of this change was to reduce reliance on long-term hospital care and mandate treatment to encourage community-based treatment. However, although the purpose was to improve patients’ lives, it has produced mixed results.
Many individuals discharged from mental health facilities faced a lack of adequate support and were poorly prepared to reintegrate into society. As a result, many former patients ended up homeless, incarcerated, or living in substandard care facilities rather than receiving community-based services instead of institutional care (Markowitz, 2011).
Halfway houses
To help transition from institutional to independent living, halfway houses offer temporary group living arrangements for those from hospitals, prisons, or other institutions These centers provide a balance of between care and independence and helps reintegrate individuals into society by providing emotional and practical support. Halfway homes have been shown to reduce the likelihood of hospital readmission and contribute to long-term stability (Coursey, Ward-Alexander, & Katz, 1990; Soyez & Broekaert, 2003).
Community Mental Health Program
Community mental health centers play an important role in improving access to mental health services. These centers aim to eliminate the need for hospitalization by providing outpatient services, counseling, crisis intervention and prevention. They often focus on helping individuals with mental illnesses before they become serious enough to require inpatient care (Tausig, Michello, & Subedi, 2004).
Many community centers also emphasize disease prevention, providing education, counseling, and community outreach to help reduce risk factors for mental health, such as unemployment, substance abuse, and a decrease in crime.
Therapies—Human to the Core
The effectiveness of psychotherapy is a complex issue. According to research, most people (approximately 9 out of 10) report an improvement in their quality of life following mental health care (Consumer Reports, 2010; Kotkin et al., 1996). But assessing the true effectiveness of treatment is more difficult than simply taking people’s word for it. Researchers have increasingly relied on “empirically helpful” treatments, based on evidence and based on scientific research, to evaluate which types of treatments work best for particular problems (Westen & Bradley, 2005). The results of these studies indicate that psychotherapy generally, though not always, produces positive outcomes. While treatment may not always work for every individual, research shows that it is effective for most people (Barlow, 2004; Moras, 2002).
Interestingly, psychotherapy can often bring marked improvement quickly. Research indicates that approximately 50% of clients report recovery after 13 to 18 weekly treatment sessions (Howard et al., 1986). However, due to limited insurance coverage and increased costs, many individuals have only a limited number of sessions, reducing the likelihood of significant improvement (Hansen, Lambert, & Forman, 2002).
Fundamentals of psychotherapy
While psychotherapies exist, they have many core features and goals. Regardless of the specific technique, the goal of most treatments is to:
Restore hope, courage, and hope: Therapy helps people regain control and hope for the future.
Gain insight into their problems: Many forms of therapy aim to help individuals understand the root causes of their difficulties.
Conflict resolution and improving self-esteem: Therapy often helps people identify and resolve internal and external conflicts.
Change unwanted behavior: Therapy can help clients adopt healthy behaviors and coping strategies.
Finding purpose and meaning in life: Many therapies help individuals discover their values, goals, and purpose in life.
Reviewing interpersonal relationships: Treatment often focuses on improving relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
Learn logical ways to deal with problems: For example, psychosocial therapies help individuals think critically and manage their emotions.
All therapies also have some means of achieving these goals.
The relationship between therapist and therapist is critical. Relationships of caring, empathy, and collaboration strongly influence the success of treatment (Kozart, 2002; Meier et al., 2006). Therapy provides a safe environment in which individuals can express emotions such as fear, anxiety, and anger, without fear of judgment. Therapies often provide a clear explanation of why the person is suffering and suggest actions or strategies to deal with the suffering. Clients gain insight into their problems and adopt new behaviors or coping strategies that may contribute to sustainable change in their lives (Crencavage & Norcross, 1990).
Therapeutic Specialist
Certain characteristics set it apart among highly effective therapists. Studies of “professional physicians” have identified several characteristics of professionals who perform well in the profession (Jennings & Skovholt, 1999). These include:
Enthusiasm for learning: Experienced therapists always want to improve their knowledge and skills.
Have similar problems: Effective therapists benefit from past experience dealing with similar issues.
Analysis of complexity: Human behavior and emotions are understood to be complex and often ambiguous.
Emotional openness and maturity: Professional therapists are emotionally self-aware and mature, allowing them to connect with clients.
Strong social skills: Ability to communicate effectively and build trust with customers.
Awareness of the impact of their own emotional health: Successful therapists know that their own emotional well-being affects their work and take steps to maintain it.
Basic counseling skills
Even outside of occupational therapy, some basic counseling skills can help when someone is suffering. These include:
Active listening: Careful and attentive listening without jumping to conclusions or offering immediate solutions. This builds trust and lets the person know they are valued and heard.
Considering thoughts and feelings: Clarify or rephrase what someone is saying to show you understand and encourage further expression.
Silence: Giving the person time to think and reflect without rushing to fill the silence.
Ask open-ended questions: questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” and allow a person to express their feelings and thoughts more effectively.
Clarifying the problem: Helping the person clarify their issue, so that a better solution can be found.
Focus on feelings: To encourage individuals to express their feelings without judgment.
Avoid giving advice: Rather than offering solutions, it is often more helpful to listen and offer emotional support. Advice should only be given when requested.
Accepting the person’s perspective: Understanding the person’s point of view, especially if there are cultural or individual differences.
Maintaining privacy: Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of an individual in order to build trust.
The Future of Therapy— Magnets, Groups, and Smartphones
The future of medicine is evolving, driven by a combination of technological advances, costs, and changing societal needs. As the field of mental health continues to expand and change, we can expect to see a mixture of old and new approaches informed by traditional practice and cutting-edge research.
Key Therapy trends in future medicine
Increased use of low-cost doctors: To meet the increased demand for services, medicine is likely to provide post-academic staff, such as counsellors, social workers and psychiatrists nurses will be more involved. These changes could make treatment more accessible and affordable.
Treatment with short-term solutions: A growing trend towards short-term treatments, such as coping or problem-solving techniques. These treatments aim to effectively address specific issues, and focused on practical solutions rather than long-term insights.
Targeted therapy: Thanks to advances in neuroscience, we can expect more precise treatments with fewer side effects. Techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic pulses to target specific areas of the brain, can complement traditional therapies for disorders such as OCD or compulsive gambling
Self-Help Group Therapy: Group therapy becomes more popular due to its cost-effectiveness. It offers outstanding benefits, including shared experiences and support from others with similar issues. Specialty groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Marriage Encounter groups continue to play an important role in providing affordable mental health services.
Increased use of technology: Online services and telephone counseling are on the rise, offering more accessible mental health services, especially in underserved or remote settings Ability to video or telephone with a physician communicate is already a reality, making treatment accessible and affordable.
Alternative medical treatments
Neuroscience research continues to examine brain function and treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive technique, has been shown to target specific areas of the brain to treat conditions. For example, TMS has shown promise in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and may work with psychotherapies in the future.
Group therapy
Group therapy has been around for more than 50 years, and its benefits are well documented. Participants can gain insight by performing activities or performing in situations that reflect their own struggles. Techniques such as psychodrama (created by Jacob Moreno), in which clients act out difficult family conflicts or situations. Help people better understand themselves and others
Family therapy, where families work together to address issues such as communication problems, is also gaining popularity. Family therapists believe that issues experienced by one member are often symptomatic of wider patterns in the family.
Therapy Remote healing
The rise of telemedicine and online medicine represents a major shift in how treatment is delivered. Through video conferencing, phone calls, or email, patients can access help without having to visit a doctor in person. This model is useful for people in rural areas, with limited time, or for individuals who wish to remain anonymous.
However, telemedicine comes with challenges. The lack of personal contact can limit the depth of the therapeutic relationship and can be a concern for ensuring confidentiality. While these methods are effective for some conditions, particularly short-term interventions such as smoking cessation or stress management, they are not a substitute for individual therapy for more complex cases.
Self-Management and seeking professional help
Behavioral theories can be applied to everyday problems, including issues of temperament, mental health, and personal goals. These principles are based on behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing undesirable behaviors and reinforcing desirable behaviors through programming strategies Here is how behavioral principles can be applied.
Private Rewards and Punishments:
For problems such as smoking or overeating, one can use techniques such as covert sensing. This involves imagining stressful or unpleasant situations associated with undesirable behaviors (for example, imagining the health effects of smoking) Through these aversive situations with regular copying, individuals can reduce the likelihood of harmful behavior.
In contrast, covert reinforcement involves perceiving positive outcomes when engaging in desired behaviors. For example, if you want to avoid dessert, you can assume that you are proud and healthy by refusing dessert at a party, which encourages the desired behavior that is you will not eat too much
Therapy Reasoning aside
This approach helps individuals deal with negative thoughts. When experiencing disturbing or unhelpful thoughts such as self-criticism or anxiety, a person may use gentle physical cues (like a rubber band around his wrist) or mental cues (like mental screaming that “Stop!”) will be used to interrupt and destroy these thoughts
Self-directed desensitization
For those who experience anxiety or panic attacks (such as fear of public speaking), self-shocking can help. This process includes relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing or imagining a peaceful state) in which you slowly place yourself in anxiety-inducing situations, and work your way up from less threatening situations to more challenging ones
To assist staff in applying these principles, individuals may consult behavioral therapists, who are trained to assist in the successful implementation of these strategies. These professionals can intervene according to the specific needs of the individual, ensuring that the processes are effective and sustainable.
Applying behavioral Therapy principles to everyday problems:
Behavioral theories are often used in therapy to address a variety of personal challenges, such as quitting bad habits, improving self-control, or dealing with anxiety Some useful strategies derived from these theories include:
Emotion Maintenance: This involves the use of aversive imagery to judge unwanted behavior. For example, if a person wants to quit smoking, he or she may assume that he or she is suffering from a health condition caused by smoking. By repeatedly imagining this unpleasant outcome, individuals may reduce the likelihood of engaging in the behavior.
Mind stabilization: This technique is used to suppress negative or intrusive thoughts. For example, someone who experiences anxiety can wear a rubber band around their wrists whenever they have a sad thought, to restore focus and help them break the cycle of negative thoughts
Economic Pressure: Positive images are used to encourage desirable behaviors. If one wants to avoid unhealthy foods, one can intend to feel healthy and beautiful by making good food choices, thus reinforcing good habits
Self-Directed Desensitization: This approach helps individuals overcome fears or anxieties by gradually exposing them to anxiety-provoking situations. The individual uses relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and then works through a hierarchy of situations, starting from the least anxiety-inducing to the most, until they can face the fear without tension.
Get Professional Therapy Help:
Consider the many ways you can find a qualified therapist: Many colleges and universities offer student counseling, and some offices offer free or low-cost therapy through professional assistance programs. Ask about professional qualifications and experience, looking for their personal qualities such as warmth, empathy, and the ability to adapt their approach to your needs Trust and comfort with your doctor is essential to effective treatment, and you should be on the lookout for inappropriate behaviors such as sexual advances or authoritarian behaviors It is important to have these conversations that are productive and relevant objectives.