Psychological Intervention Revised

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DEFINING THE INTERVENTION

In a most general way, psychological intervention is a method of inducing changes


in a person's behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

psychotherapy involves intervention in the context of a professional relationship-a


relationship sought by the client or the client's guardians. In some cases, therapy is
undertaken to_solve a specific problem_to improve the individual's capacity to deal wit
hexisting behaviors_feelings, or thoughts that are debilitating. In other cases, the focus
may be more on the prevention of problems than on remedying an existing condition
three types of interventions:
 Positive psychology: This focuses on promoting well-being across larger
populations by teaching skills like stress management, healthy habits, and social
skills.
 Prevention programs: These target groups at higher risk for mental health
problems, like children of depressed mothers or assault survivors, aiming to
reduce their chances of facing psychological difficulties.
 Psychotherapy: The most common type of intervention, where different forms of
therapy are used to treat issues like depression, anxiety, and personality disorders
after they occur.

GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION

Psychological interventions by clinical psychologists aim to achieve many goals, using


diverse methods. These interventions are designed to change behaviors and address
various issues, such as reducing AIDS risk, preventing violence, promoting healthy
eating and exercise, enhancing children’s school performance, managing alcohol abuse,
supporting trauma victims, addressing inattention and aggression in children, treating
major depression, and helping patients with serious illnesses live longer. These
examples show the broad scope of interventions in clinical psychology and related
fields.
WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO CHANGE?

Psychological interventions aim to change different aspects of human functioning,


depending on the issue. These may target:
 Behavior: Modifying specific behaviors, like reducing alcohol or cigarette use.
 Emotions: Lessening distress and increasing comfort, as seen in anxiety-reducing
interventions.
 Thoughts: Shifting thought patterns, like stopping repetitive thoughts about
trauma or fostering optimism.
 Biology: Altering physical responses, such as lowering blood pressure or
reducing headache pain.
 Environment: Adjusting external factors, like school structures, to make
transitions smoother for students.

by Wolberg:
"Psychotherapy is a form of treatment for problems of an emotional nature in which a
trained_person deliberately establishes a professional relationship with a patient with the
object of removing_modifying orretarding existing symptoms, of mediating disturbed
patterns of behavior, and of promoting positive personality growth and development.”

By Rotter:
Psychotherapy ... is planned activity of the psychologist, the purpose of which is
to accomplish
Changes in the individual that make his [sic] life adjustment potentially happier, more con
structive or both.

FEATURES COMMON TO MANY THERAPIES

Although there are many types of psychotherapy, they share more similarities than
differences. New therapies often highlight unique features to stand out, but many therapies
are based on common elements. There are hundreds of therapy "brands," with some
effective and others unproven. Research shows limited evidence that one therapy is
significantly better than another, suggesting that positive change may come from shared
factors across therapies.
Lambert and Bergin (1994) proposed that successful therapy follows a sequence of
common factors:
 Supportive factors (like building trust and a positive therapist-client relationship)
create a foundation.
 Learning factors (such as gaining insight or new perspectives) change beliefs and
attitudes.
 Action factors (such as practicing new skills) lead to behavioral changes.

THE EXPERT ROLE

In therapy, the therapist must offer more than just warmth, respect, and interest. While
these qualities are important, they are not enough to make someone a qualified clinical
psychologist. Effective therapy also requires specialized skills and knowledge, which
come from extensive training.
Some people think the therapist's "expert" role can make the relationship feel unequal,
risking mutual respect. However, if both the therapist and patient understand and accept
their distinct roles, respect remains intact. Although therapists are not "superior" to
patients as people, their training and experience are crucial in helping patients overcome
their issues.
THE RELEASE OF EMOTIONS/CATHARSIS

Many people believe that therapy should include feelings like anger, anxiety, or sadness.
Most therapists think if a patient stays calm and detached all the time, they might not be
getting the help they need. The problems that bring someone to therapy are usually serious
and have deep roots.
Catharsis, or letting out emotions, is important in most therapies, and how much is
released can depend on the person's problems and where they are in therapy. Therapists
need to handle these feelings and use them to help bring about change. Some therapies
focus more on emotional release, while others, like anger management, aim to help people
control their emotions better instead.

RELATIONSHIP/THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE

For many, the relationship between the patient and therapist, known as the therapeutic
alliance, is key to the success of therapy. While not all therapists say this is the main
factor, almost all agree that the relationship is very important. In therapy, patients can talk
freely about their deepest feelings and problems in a safe, accepting space, unlike
discussions with friends or family, which can lead to judgment and complications. In
therapy, patients can openly discuss these issues. A good therapist should be accepting,
nonjudgmental, objective, insightful, and professional. While not every therapist will
always embody these qualities, their ability to put aside personal feelings and provide a
confidential, understanding, and warm environment is likely a big reason why therapy
works well in society.

ANXIETY REDUCTION/RELEASE OF TENSION

At first, it's important to lower the anxiety that patients feel about their problems so they
can explore what’s causing them. The key parts of therapy, like the therapist-client
relationship, the therapist's skills, and the privacy of the sessions, help create a safe
environment. This reassurance allows patients to think about their experiences more
clearly. If a patient has very high anxiety, they might need medication to help manage it,
but this should only be a short-term solution. Relying on medication permanently is not
ideal because some people may have side effects, and these medications can interfere with
certain types of therapy that aim to gradually increase anxiety in controlled situations.

INTERPRETATION/INSIGHT
Many people wrongly believe therapy is easy: a patient shares their problems, the
therapist asks about their childhood, and then the therapist explains what it means, leading
to instant understanding and relief. But this is not how therapy really works.
Many types of therapy do look at childhood experiences, but they differ in how much they
focus on them and how they understand them. Therapists also interpret these experiences
in different ways, helping patients see their past in new lights.
The idea that just understanding one’s problems will solve them is less common now.
Therapists know that while insight is helpful, real change often comes from other
methods. Insight can help with growth but doesn’t always lead to quick change. Some
patients might wait for insight as a way to avoid taking action in their lives.

BUILDING COMPETENCE/MASTERY

One main goal of therapy is to help clients become better at handling their lives.
Therapists aim to improve clients’ effectiveness and satisfaction through different
methods. In addition to building a good relationship and reducing anxiety, some types of
therapy focus on teaching new skills and correcting wrong ways of thinking.
Psychologist Bandura highlighted that believing in oneself leads to better performance.
When people feel capable and confident, they are more likely to succeed in various
aspects of their lives.

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