Psychological Intervention Revised
Psychological Intervention Revised
Psychological Intervention Revised
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.
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.
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.
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.