Psychotherapy Main Concepts Essay

When we study human air, specific bothy focusing on the development of personality and crucial to how a person or individual conducts him/herself, psychology offers a variety of dimensions. The concept of personality is central to our attempt to understand ourselves and others and is part of the way in which we account for the differences that contribute to our individuality. Psychologists have been particularly touch on with shaping of the personality in relation to genetic and surroundingsal influences. We have been fortunate that the study of human personality has been thriving and fruitful. We can choose from as many models we can to help us see ourselves better and maintain good solelyiances (Atkinson et al., 2000). For the thrust that this paper is taking, I wish to mention then my trances individually, on Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, and the Existential, Humanistic panoramas. The Behavioral model utilizes what is termed as the learning theor y posited by Skinner and Watson and the rest of the Behaviorism school. It assumes that the principles in learning i.e., conditioning (Associative and Operant) ar efficacious means to effect change in an individual. Generally, the thrust of this theoretical perspective is cerebrate on the symptoms that a person is experiencing. Just as many of the errors of the patterns of behavior ascend from learning from the environment, it is also assumed that an individual will be able to unlearn some if non all these by using the techniques as applied based on the learning principles.To a certain limit I believe that this still works reinforcements are effective to some extent and in some or many people hence I am incorporating this stance separate or distinct from the Cognitive-Behavioral approach. In behavior therapy in that respectfore, thoughts, feelings and all those malfunctioning and unwanted manifestations revealed in ones activities can be unlearned and the work of a behavior t herapist. The basic concepts complicate extinguishing utilize when maladaptive patterns are then weakened and removed and in their place habits that are healthy are established (developed and strengthened) in a series or progressive approach called successive approximations. When these (factors) are reinforced such as through rewards in intrinsic and extrinsic means, the potential of a more pander and steady change in behavior is developed and firmly established (Corey, 2004). Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. In the cognitive approach alone, the therapist understands that a client or uncomplaining comes into the healing relationship and the formers role is to change or modify the latters maladjusted or error-filled thinking patterns. These patterns may include wishful thinking, unrealistic expectations, uninterrupted reliving and living in the past or even beyond the present and into the future, and overgeneralizing. These habits lead to confusion, frustration and eventual consta nt disappointment. This therapeutic approach stresses or accentuates the rational or logical and positive worldview a viewpoint that takes into consideration that we are problem-solvers, have options in life and not that we are always left with no choice as many people think. It also looks into the fact that because we do have options then there are many things that await someone who have had bad choices in the past, and therefore can look positively into the future.Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy postulated primarily by Ellis and Beck facilitates a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist. With the idea that the counselor and patient together cooperate to attain a trusting relationship and agree which problems or issues need to come first in the course of the therapy. For the Cognitive Behaviorist Therapist, the immediate and presenting problem that the client is suffering and complaining from takes precedence and must be addressed and focused in the treatment. The re is instantaneous relief from the symptoms, and may be encouraged or spurred on to pursue in-depth treatment and reduction of the ailments where possible (Corey, 2004). Psychoanalytic therapy. The Psychodynamic perspective is based on the work of Sigmund Freud. He created both a theory to explain personality and mental disorders, and the form of therapy known as psychoanalysis. The psychodynamic approach assumes that all behavior and mental processes reflect constant and often unconscious struggles within the person. These usually involved conflicts between our need to satisfy basic biological instincts, for example, for food, awake or aggression, and the restrictions imposed by society.Not all of those who take a psychodynamic approach accept all of Freuds original ideas, but most would view abnormal or problematic behavior as the result of a failure to resolve conflicts adequately. Many of the disorders or mental illnesses recognized today without a doubt have their psychodynam ic explanation aside from other viewpoints like that of the behaviourist, or the cognitivists. From simple childhood developmental diseases to Schizophrenia, there is a rationale that from Freuds camp out is able to explain (Kaplan et al, 1994). The Existential approach, as put forward by Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, Rollo May, and Frankl, believes that the individuals potential may lie dormant but that it is there waiting to be ushered in time. It recognizes that man is able to achieve great heights and that these are just waiting to be tapped not only by him/herself but that also when helped by a practitioner who is persuaded of this notion. It examines such major issues as free will and the challenges of exercising this free will, the issue of mortality, loneliness and in general, the meaning of life.The Therapy is effective when the practitioner works with elderly care and death and dying issues. It focuses on the individual needs but takes into consideration the significant relationships and the meanings they begin into the persons life. Transcending the issues and problems are primary intentions of the therapist at the same time being realistic that certain limitations do exist and may stymie the process of recovery (Corey, 2004).Humanistic therapy. Allport, Bugental, Buhler, Maslow Rollo May, Murphy, Murray, Fritz Perls and Rogers are those that helped usher in the Humanistic theory and consequent therapy. It holds in view the individual as possessing the options or freedom to choose, creativity, and the capability to attain a state where he/she is more aware, freer, responsible and worthy of trust.Because the human mind has immense potential, the approach assesses as well that forces from the environment bear on with the individual and depending on the interplay that occurs within the individual person, the result will either be destructive or constructive to the person. In sum, secular humanism takes into the perspective that essent ially humans are good and not evil, and that the therapy facilitates by harnessing on the human potential through the development of interpersonal skills. This results to an enhanced spirit life and the individual becomes an asset rather than a liability to the society where he revolves in (Corey, 2004).ReferenceAtkinson, R.L., R.C. Atkinson, E.E Smith, D.J. Bem, and S. Nolen-Hoeksema. Introduction to Psychology. 13th Ed. New York Harcourt College Publishers, 2000.Corey, Gerald, 2004. Theory and come of counseling and psychotherapy. Thomson Learning, USA.Kaplan, HI, BJ Saddock and JA Grebb. 1994. Kaplan and Saddocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Behavioral Sciences clinical psychiatry. Baltimore Williams and Wilkins.