Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence

Discussion: Does Psychotherapy Have a Biological Basis?

Many studies have found that psychotherapy is as effective as psychopharmacology in terms of influencing changes in behaviors, symptoms of anxiety, and changes in mental state. Changes influenced by psychopharmacology can be explained by the biological basis of treatments. But how does psychotherapy achieve these changes? Does psychotherapy share common neuronal pathways with psychopharmacology? For this Discussion, consider whether psychotherapy also has a biological basis.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Evaluate biological basis of psychotherapy treatments

Analyze influences of culture, religion, and socioeconomics on personal perspectives of psychotherapy treatments

To prepare:

Review this week’s Learning Resources.

Reflect on foundational concepts of psychotherapy.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

By Day 3

Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective of the value of psychotherapy treatments. Support your rationale with evidence-based literature.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

NOTE

Dear class, welcome to week 1! I look forward to a productive semester. This week we will be exploring the foundations of psychotherapy. We will also look at the influence of culture and socioeconomics on the treatments. I would encourage you to review assignments carefully and please use only scholarly sources for your evidence. Please do not use public websites or sites the patients would typically go to for their information. I will also not accept evidence from newspapers, commercial journals, dictionaries or encyclopedias. Remember, you are a graduate student and the work you submit should be reflective of the highest standards of graduate work. I also expect your work to be submitted on time. If for some reason you are having difficulty, please let me know in advance. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me.