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"There are cases where psychoanalysis works worse than anything else. But who said that psychoanalysis was to be applied always and everywhere." C.G. Jung Psychotherapy is a form of talking therapy which can be used to treat various psychiatric disorders. It is of many types but I will limit myself to the two most common: Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT) Our 'cognitive processes' are our thoughts which include our ideas, mental images, beliefs and attitudes. Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or 'fuel', certain health problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias, etc, but there are others including physical problems.The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas. Also, to help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful. Behaviour therapy aims to change any behaviours that are harmful or not helpful.This is a mixture of cognitive and behaviour therapies. They are often combined because how we behave often reflects how we think about certain things or situations. The emphasis on cognitive or behaviour aspects of therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated. For example, there is often more emphasis on behaviour therapy when treating obsessive compulsive disorder (where repetitive compulsive actions are a main problem). On the other hand, the emphasis may be more on cognitive therapy when treating depression. CBT has been shown to help people with various conditions - both mental and physical. For example:
CBT is delivered by a trained therapist. More recently, interactive CDs and websites are being developed and evaluated for self-directed CBT for a variety of conditions. Here is a link to one such website. PSYCHODYNAMIC/ANALYTIC THERAPY Sigmund Freud is credited with the development of this therapy. He was a neurologist who was interested in unexplained neurological symptoms. The underlying principle here is that adverse emotional experiences during childhood effect the way we think, react and behave. The basic method of psychoanalysis is the transference and resistance analysis of free association. The patient, in a relaxed posture, is directed to say whatever comes to mind. Dreams, hopes, wishes, and fantasies are of interest, as are recollections of early family life. Generally the analyst simply listens, making comments only when, in his or her professional judgement, an opportunity for insight on the part of the patient arises. In listening, the analyst attempts to maintain an attitude of empathic neutrality, a nonjudgmental stance designed to create a safe environment. The analyst asks that the analysand (patient) speak with utter honesty about whatever comes to awareness while interpreting the patterns and inhibitions that appear in the patient's speech and other behaviour. It is not recommended for severe, acute psychiatric disorders such as psychosis and mania.
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