Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that delves into the depths of the human mind to uncover the underlying causes of psychological distress. This form of therapy is particularly suitable for individuals who suffer from severe depression, compulsions, or addictions, with roots in early childhood experiences. By lying on the couch, the patient is encouraged to freely express their thoughts and emotions without censorship, while the analyst serves as a projection surface for their inner conflicts. The goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to uncover and interpret these unconscious conflicts. It is a long-term therapy that requires the patient to undergo psychoanalysis three to five times a week for several years .
Depth Psychology: Uncovering Unresolved Conflicts
Similar to psychoanalysis, depth psychology assumes that current symptoms or disorders in patients are a result of unresolved conflicts, often unconscious in nature. In-depth conversations shed light on the past to uncover potential causes of present complaints. However, the focus is not on analyzing and changing the entire personality but rather on resolving current conflicts. This therapy typically lasts for a shorter duration compared to psychoanalysis. It is commonly used for mild to moderate depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Transforming Thoughts and Behaviors
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches. It has proven to be particularly effective in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosomatic illnesses. Unlike psychoanalysis and depth psychology, CBT does not aim to eliminate current problems by exploring the past. Instead, it focuses on addressing specific issues. In therapy, the patient becomes aware of their thoughts and feelings and learns to question them. They recognize that these thoughts and feelings are the underlying cause of their condition. Through therapeutic sessions, patients acquire techniques to cope with their emotional problems and manage their psychological disorders effectively .
Confronting Fears: Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is one of the many techniques used in behavioral therapy. It involves gradually exposing the patient to their fears or phobias, such as spiders or crowded places. By repeatedly and increasingly exposing themselves to these triggering stimuli, individuals can reduce their fear and anxiety levels. This method helps them overcome their phobias and regain control over their lives.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is considered the most scientifically supported treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It has also shown positive results in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). DBT combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with methods from Gestalt therapy, hypnotherapy, and meditation. The therapist employs a dialectical strategy, accepting the patient's behavior while simultaneously encouraging change. Treatment involves both individual and group sessions. In emergency situations, the therapist is available for telephone consultations. For individual therapy, it is necessary for the patient to maintain a diary of their internal tension states. Reflecting on these entries helps analyze triggers and personal coping strategies. Based on this information, patients can then attempt to apply specific skills acquired during group sessions. These skills assist in modifying habitual patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions, enabling better control over intense emotional states.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Healing Trauma
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic method that has been recognized by health insurance companies for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults. EMDR is based on the belief that every individual possesses a natural ability to process and integrate distressing experiences. Originally developed for the treatment of traumatic experiences in war veterans, EMDR focuses on bilateral stimulation. During therapy, the patient recalls the unprocessed memory in a safe environment while simultaneously following the therapist's fingers with their eyes, creating a rhythmic movement from right to left. This eye movement resembles the rapid eye movement (REM) phase during sleep, where we dream and process daily events, which are then stored in long-term memory. Alternatively, the therapist can use auditory or tactile stimuli, such as sounds or brief touches on the back of the hand. Bilateral stimulation activates both hemispheres of the brain, allowing the integration of traumatic memories with neutral stimuli provided by the therapist. This process enables the traumatic memory to be stored as a non-threatening memory. Our memory connects everything that occurs simultaneously, leading to the integration of related events .
Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy: Overcoming Chronic Depression
The Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is a relatively new therapeutic approach developed in 2000. It is specifically designed for the treatment of chronic depression. CBASP attributes chronic depression to developmental blockages resulting from early negative experiences, such as loss, emotional neglect, or abuse. Individuals with chronic depression often struggle with interpersonal relationships, avoiding social interactions to evade potential problems. Additionally, they believe they are incapable of changing their situation. The therapist assists the patient in overcoming this negative mindset by providing feedback on their social interactions. This feedback helps the patient realize that their inappropriate behavior is the cause of conflicts with others. Throughout therapy, patients learn that by making behavioral changes, they can positively influence their interpersonal relationships, leading to an improvement in their chronic depressive mood.
Systemic Therapy: Understanding the Interconnectedness of Relationships
Systemic therapy, also known as systemic family therapy, emerged from family therapy and considers not only the family but also other areas of life, such as the workplace or school, as individual systems. Each person is seen as an integral part of these systems, with reciprocal relationships and mutual influences. Changes within the system affect all its members. Disturbed relationships or difficult communication patterns can result in psychological difficulties for individuals. Systemic therapy does not focus on identifying negative influences but rather seeks to understand the purpose that the disturbance serves within the system, thereby maintaining its existence. Therapists may ask patients to physically arrange family members in a room to create a "sculpture" that visualizes the relationships and conflicts. Another technique involves the therapist asking the patient to describe how their child perceives the relationship between the patient and their partner. These and other methods help uncover the underlying problems within the system and reveal potential solutions. Systemic therapy has been scientifically recognized and is now covered by health insurance companies .
Music and Art Therapy: Expressing the Soul
Music and art therapy are not psychotherapeutic methods in themselves. However, they can be used as mediums within other therapy forms, allowing patients to express their innermost feelings and emotions.