Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be approached from three different perspectives: humanistic therapy, Gestalt therapy, and classical Freudian psychodynamic psychotherapy. Each has its own theoretical underpinnings and methods. Wheeler (2020) describes Humanistic therapy focusing on self-actualization and the present moment, emphasizing self-awareness and personal growth through unconditional positive regard. Gestalt therapy emphasizes awareness and integration of the self, using experiential techniques to explore emotions and conflicts in the present. Classical Freudian psychodynamic psychotherapy delves into unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, aiming to uncover underlying emotional patterns through techniques like free association.
James, who displays anxiety symptoms and wants treatment but is hesitant of taking medication, may benefit especially from a humanistic approach like person-centered therapy, in my opinion. A therapeutic approach that stresses self-awareness, personal growth, and the therapeutic connection could be a good fit for him given his close relationships with his children and grandchildren, as well as his passion of coaching and teaching. James can benefit from the unconditional positive regard provided by humanistic treatment by feeling accepted and understood, which creates a safe space for him to explore his anxiety symptoms and underlying issues. Additionally, James might be able to acquire insight into his thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by using strategies like active listening, empathy understanding, and introspection. This would give him the confidence to make changes for the better in his life.
Hello Class,
Humanistic therapy: This is a theory initially developed by Carl Rogers. The therapist aims to be positive and comprehensive, using non-judgmental methods to help the person improve how they see themselves. It is also known as person-centered psychotherapy. The humanistic perspective views human nature as being innately good and believes that people can have meaningful relationships and make good choices for themselves and others. It is only through external factors that people will engage in destructive behaviors that override their sense of “goodness.” A therapist using this approach focuses on helping individuals free themselves from assumptions and attitudes that prevent them from living to their life potential. Growth and self-actualization are emphasized during therapy rather than curing diseases or treating disorders. The source of the problem, as seen through this theory, is when a person is not being their “true self.” The therapist takes on the role of empathetic understanding of the patient’s experiences. This approach can help establish the therapist-client relationship, build rapport and trust with the patient, and clarify issues throughout the session (Tusaie & Fitzpatrick, 2016).
Gestalt therapy: This form of therapy was developed in the 1940s by Frederick and Laura Perls. It is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the patient’s present life challenges and needs. The therapist helps the patient become more self-aware and accountable, achieve self-growth, and understand their feelings and personal challenges. Similar to the humanistic theory, Gestalt therapy looks at the person holistically. Although this type of therapy is also person-centered, the main difference is that the therapist helps the person accept responsibility for their life situations rather than placing blame on others (Wheeler, 2020)
Freudian psychodynamic psychotherapy: This form of psychotherapy was first formulated by Sigmund Freud. Many subtypes of psychotherapies have been derived from Freud’s theories that all behavior is meaningful and purposeful. He theorized that a person’s behavior is always driven by something in the unconscious mind, even if the person doesn’t realize it. This type of therapy helps patients bring up repressed, often painful experiences into their awareness and attempt to resolve them currently. His theory included that there are three parts to the mind and personality: the id, ego, and super-ego. The id involves a person’s instinct, drive, or urges. The ego involves a person’s rational mind and external reality, and the superego is a person’s consciousness. Freud emphasized that unresolved conflicts within a person’s life lead to issues such as anxiety and depression. The goal of this type of therapy is to help the patient become self-aware and understand the influence of their past experiences on their present behaviors (Boland, 2021). This differs from humanistic therapy and gestalt therapy in that it delves into the person’s past to help improve their current life.
James’s psychotherapy: The type of psychotherapy I would recommend for James is Freudian psychodynamic psychotherapy. According to the information provided about James, he is suffering from unprovoked panic attacks that are affecting his daily life negatively. He has sought out medical care, thinking he is dying, but all tests have come up negative. He has a family history of anxiety and potential unresolved trauma from the sudden death of his father via car accident. Although he may think these panic attacks are unprovoked, it may be worth uncovering his past experiences to evaluate if that is what has been causing his debilitating panic attacks. Through Freudian psychodynamic psychotherapy, James would be able to unpack his past traumas and understand how they are affecting his current emotions.
Free Association: Free association is one technique utilized by psychoanalysts in Freudian psychodynamic psychotherapy. It is an exercise where the patient, or in this case, James, would be encouraged to share his thoughts freely. Through this freedom of thought and encouragement from the therapist, the patient may make unexpected connections and uncover painful memories. This can help James face situations such as his father’s death or his divorce and learn how to cope with these painful experiences rather than avoid them. A 2021 review of studies found that short-term psychoanalytic therapy led to lasting improvements in somatic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms (Abbass et al., 2021). This type of therapy can ultimately help him work through his panic attacks.
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