Page 502 - Understanding Psychology

Figure 17.2 Types of Psychotherapies
There are several types of therapies. The ones listed in this chart are commonly used methods. Which method would probably be most effective for treating someone with an eating disorder?
Therapy Method Main Technique(s) Main Goal
Means of Achieving Goal
Psychoanalysis Humanistic Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Behavior Therapy
placebo effect: the influ- ence that a patient’s hopes and expectations have
on his or her improvement during therapy
free association, dream analysis, transference
active listening, accep- tance, support
talking, listening, role- playing, and completion of assignments
counterconditioning, operant conditioning, systematic desensitization
reduce anxiety and guilt from unconscious urges
fulfill one’s potential and improve self-concept
unite behaviors and thought
change one’s unwanted or abnormal behaviors and acquire desirable behaviors
verbal processes verbal processes revising thoughts
behavioral training
488 Chapter 17 / Therapy and Change
One of the most important factors in effective treatment is the patient’s belief or hope that he can change. The influence that a patient’s hopes and expectations have on his improvement is often called the placebo effect. This name comes from giving medical patients placebos, inert sugar pills, when they complain of ailments that do not seem to have any physiologi- cal basis. The patients take the tablets, and their symptoms disappear.
The placebo effect does not imply that problems can be solved simply by fooling the patient. It does demonstrate, however, the tremendous importance of the patient’s attitude in finding a way to change. A patient who does not believe he can be helped probably cannot be. A patient who believes he can change and believes he has the power to change will find a way. Therapy goes beyond the placebo effect. It combines the patient’s belief that he can change with hard work and professional guidance.
WHO ARE THERAPISTS?
In American society, there are many people who practice psy- chotherapy. Some, like clinical psychologists, are trained in psychological testing, assessment, and diagnosis. Counseling psychologists have been trained to deal with problems of adjustment. The various kinds of thera- pists and the training that each goes through before practicing psy- chotherapy are shown in Figure 17.3.
What Makes a Good Therapist?
Before going to a professional therapist, most people first turn to a friend or other nonprofessional for help and advice. Sometimes, this is exactly what’s needed. Professional therapists, however, are likely to be more skillful in encouraging the person to examine uncomfortable feelings and problems.