Psychotheauraptic Technique



Psychotheauraptic Technique

Introduction

Appraise and critique both models in terms of the strength of their underlying theoretical framework and also the evidence regarding their effectiveness. Depression is one of the most common and widespread psychiatric disorders in the UK. Of over 5000 British residents, approximately 5.9% of males and 4.2% of females suffer from depressive illnesses (Based on DSM-IV criteria) (Shedler, 2010). Consequently there has been much emphasis on implementing techniques and psychotherapy to solve these issues and find effective treatments for depression. This essay will explore, psychodynamic and CBT therapy, in treating depression. There are clear disparities between these in regards to their theoretical underpinnings as well as the arguments both for and against their effectiveness in treating depression. Throughout this review particular attention will be paid to these differences as well as the similar features which run through both approaches in order to gather a much more conclusive view regarding psychotherapy in the treatment of depression.

The essay will begin by briefly outlining depression and discussing the development of psychotherapy in treating it. After this, psychodynamic therapy which is one of the most traditional psychotherapeutic methods of dealing with depression will be explored, in order to gather an understanding of its views on solving the problem of depression. Before moving on to compare this too, the much more modern and focused intervention CBT, developed by Schoefield (2009).

Depression is a condition which is characterized by an unpleasant state of mind which can undermine our ability to function normally (Greenwood, Pp.13). In some cases people are born with a predisposition to depression through neurological disorders. However, for many others, depression is likely to occur as a consequence of changing life. (Figley, 2002) For many years clients were effectively treated with medicines such as anti-depressants.

Psychotherapists believe it is addressing the central psychological underpinnings of depression which is essential to long term recovery(APS,2010). One of the first alternative forms of treatment was psychodynamic therapy, which is based on the belief that that the majority of mental functioning occurs in our unconscious. Lemma (2009) explains that “the structure of the psyche is constructed from birth, and therefore the child's relationship with significant others in the early years of their life, notably their mother and father, are vital to the individual's future developments”.

Lemma (2009) explains that in treating depression, psychodynamic therapy aims to aid clients in exploring and understanding the long-term origins to the current function of their issues and problems. This can include various painful emotions, mental conflicts or problematic connections with key attachment figures. Batcheler (2003) portray that “when working with depressed individuals psychodynamic therapists are concerned with exploring any indicators such as loss and fear as to the unconscious psychic activity of the client”. By the way they talk about key events and situations both in their past and present and the associated feelings they hold with these events. (Richter, 2012)

When applying the CBT technique to depression the main premises of the technique remains, it is a present orientated, collaborative and a ...