Types of Psychotherapy
There are various forms of psychotherapy that may include: Adlerian behavior therapy, Existential therapy, Psychoanalytic therapy, Rational-emotive and cognitive behavioral therapy, Reality therapy, Transactional analysis, and Adlerian Therapy
A therapy using a growth based model that teaches a positive attitude. The theory is that we control our own destiny or fate and are not a victim of it. It is also believed that at an early age we begin to shape who we are and our own unique life styles which will remain with us throughout our lifetimes. Therapists study and take into consideration client’s life and family history to assist them in setting reasonable and attainable goals. They try to build a relationship with client of mutual trust and respect. The therapist goal is to encourage the client to reach these goals a reality.
Behavioral Therapy
As the name implies this therapy believes that behavior is leaned and we are all a product of our environment. The therapists use learning to overcome behavioral problems. They work with clients focusing on present and overt behavior using reinforcement and imitation to teach normal behavior. As therapists in this type of therapy believe that abnormal behavior is due to defective teaching they work on the assumption that to eliminate unwanted behavior you must learn new ones.
Existential Therapy
Existential therapy focuses on each individual having the freedom of choice to shape one’s own destiny in life. It focuses on self determination and self awareness with the therapist assisting the client on seeing the present and the future so they will learn to understand that they are free to shape their own life.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy integrates body and mind and stresses awareness of feelings, thought and behavior. A major part of the therapy is to help the client see how life’s past experiences and influences have affected their present life. Clients learn it is their responsibility to avoid problems, complete unfinished business and be aware of things in a positive light.
Psychoanalytic Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on how the unconscious mind influences human behavior. In psychoanalytic therapy it is believed that a person is driven by aggressive and sexual impulses that develop mainly in the childhood period of life. In other words repressed conflicts or issues from early childhood may lead to personality disorders later in life. The doctrine of this philosophy is that a person must successfully pass through five stages which include: Oral: birth to one year-sucking, Anal: one year to three-holding and releasing, Phallic: three to six years-genital stimulation and pleasure, Latency: six to eleven years-development of sexual instincts, and Genital: adolescence-return to sexual impulses
Reality Therapy
A reality therapist attempts to teach the clients how by meeting their personal needs that they can control the world around them. They focus on the what and why of a person’s actions and what they do. The therapist then can help the client evaluate their actions and plan for the future.
Transactional Analysis
This type of therapy is focused on a persons cognitive and behavior functioning capabilities. Transactional analysis is based on the theory that self defeating behavior and feelings can be overcome with the client’s full awareness. It also works on the principle that a person’s personality consists of three parts
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