Psychology, as a science, has a number of directions, each of which has its own models of studying the human psyche and its own approaches to working with clients. This article will be useful to those who are thinking about which specialist in the field of psychology will be relevant for them today, effective and more suitable. The article does not pretend to be of any scientific nature; in it, in simple language, I will try to outline the difference between the services of different specialists in the field of psychology that currently exist on the market.
When opening a search engine, a person who decides to seek the help of a psychologist encounters a fairly large list of content in which, not being an expert in this matter, he can drown.
How do specialists who adhere to various traditional approaches differ from each other, what are their features? In this note I will not touch on psychology as such, but on its refraction in the aspect of psychological counseling, considering the leading directions.
Gestalt therapy: the “here and now” model
Gestalt therapy is based on the scientific research of Fritz Perls and other scientists who studied field theory, the cycle of contact with a need, and the mechanisms for interrupting contact with a need. The psyche strives for integrity, for the completion of processes. The research also dealt with the consideration of the relationship between figure and background, that is, according to what patterns the actualization and bringing to the fore, in the zone of needs, of certain human states is carried out.
One of the leading principles of Gestalt psychotherapy is the “here and now” model. The point is that during the session the psychologist brings the client to an awareness of himself and what is happening to the person in current time. Work with previously occurring events is also built from the position of the present time.
Gestalt psychotherapy can be useful for those clients who are interested in in-depth exploration of themselves, the opportunity to meet themselves. A gestaltist works with a person’s current request, and it happens that he voices one problem area, but in reality it turns out that another is more emotionally charged.
The therapist follows the client. One of the main tasks is to make a person aware of who he is, what is happening to him, what his personal responsibility is for his life and his decisions. The list of issues that a Gestalt psychotherapist works with is similar to that in other areas of counseling, but different tools are used.
Briefly about the method
Short-term psychotherapy is a type of psychological counseling that is limited in time (number of sessions) and focused on the present.
Brief therapy focuses on the client's current symptoms and current life circumstances and emphasizes, emphasizes, and builds on the client's strengths and resources.
The therapist in short-term therapy is active and directive.
The final number of counseling sessions is the main focus from the first session. This forces the client to mobilize their resources and get results in the shortest possible time.
Psychoanalysis: help bring the unconscious into awareness
Psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Freud. The leading task is to recognize and study, together with the client, unconscious, unconscious, in particular, traumatic experiences that were the result of a person’s perception of what happened to him earlier. Psychoanalysts have studied human psychosexual development.
Psychoanalysts, working with a client, transfer the unconscious into the realm of awareness. As in the case of Gestalt therapy, psychoanalysis is aimed at in-depth study of the personality, making it possible to study and analyze its motivation, reasons for behavior, characteristics of reactions and other aspects.
Those clients who are prone to analysis, immersion in the construction of theories, and putting forward hypotheses will find in the psychoanalyst’s office the opportunity to immerse themselves in themselves, including through these tools.
How does an appointment with a psychotherapist work?
At the first appointment, the psychotherapist spends most of the time assessing the emotional state and life situation (present, past, future plans of the patient). Finds out the form of the course and causes of mental disorders. Determines the characteristics of the body's development, adaptive properties and social functioning. Mental reactions, thought processes, and behavior of the patient also matter. At the end of the first consultation, the psychotherapist also assesses the state of the client’s higher nervous activity, gives recommendations on creating the correct daily routine, and offers to be examined by related specialists (if necessary).
If violations are discovered at the appointment, the psychotherapist prescribes a treatment plan and takes written consent to take the necessary medications.
- drug effects;
- diet;
- daily regime;
- psychotherapy.
After the doctor prescribes drug therapy, the patient 2-3 days later undergoes a detailed examination using therapeutic technologies. The task of the psychotherapist is to monitor the effect of medications, adjust drug therapy and prepare for psychotherapy.
Jungian analysis focuses on the emotional component
Jungian analysis has its origins in psychoanalysis. The founder of this direction of psychology was Carl Gustav Jung, a student of Freud. The main task of a psychologist who works in this direction is to help the client understand what is happening to him based on an analysis of his unconscious. Particular attention is paid to the emotional component in human reactions and behavior and their study. There is a typology of personality - archetypes, upon analysis of which the psychologist comes to a solution to the problems facing the client.
Psychodrama will help you understand your own inner world
Psychodrama as a method was founded by Jacob Levy Moreno. The basis of the work of a psychologist is playing roles in a group that allow you to recreate a social situation, gain awareness of aspects of interaction between people, and understand your own inner world. This method will be especially useful for theatrical, creative, and active people.
As an element, psychodramas can be used in the work of other specialists. The range of research can be quite wide, ranging from relationships in the family to social roles. However, if a person is quite closed, shy, and does not like crowds of large numbers of people, then studying this feature can also be useful.
Existential psychotherapy: the path to perfection through understanding basic concepts
Existential psychotherapy is based on the client, first of all, coming to understand his personality, actions, and the situation in which he finds himself. Here a person will need quite a lot of courage and desire not only to understand, but also to accept responsibility for his life without shifting it to someone else or sharing it with other people. If we talk about the assembled existential psychotherapist, Irvin Yalom identified several main areas of research (problems): freedom, inner emptiness, isolation, death. Working through and understanding these issues in your life will give the key to understanding yourself as an individual.
The existential direction considers a series of consistent internal conflicts that a person encounters on his path, realizing which, a person improves as a person.
This direction will be useful when working with anxiety, depression, and crises.
FAQ
What does a psychotherapist treat?
A psychotherapist treats mild to moderate mental illnesses that arise under stress, are inherited, or as a result of childhood trauma, but are not associated with serious brain pathologies or physiological disorders.
What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist - what is the difference?
Methods of therapy differ from a psychiatrist to a psychotherapist. A psychiatrist treats patients with medications that affect brain activity; a psychotherapist initially uses speech therapy and reinforces the procedure with medications (if necessary).
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist - what is the difference?
A psychotherapist differs from a psychologist (non-medical specialist) and has the right to make a diagnosis, prescribe and conduct therapy.
How to convince a person to go to a psychotherapist?
Some of the best ways to convince people to visit a psychotherapist include:
- allow yourself to be manipulated (according to the principle as with a child - “we’ll go to the doctor, and then I’ll give you candy”);
- persuade, citing frayed nerves, bad sleep;
- show an example of a personal doctor's visit.
What problems do you see a psychotherapist for?
Clients whose condition requires correction or therapeutic intervention on the psyche constantly shed tears, are sad, irritated or feel angry for no reason, and a feeling of hopelessness.
What diseases does a psychotherapist treat?
The help of a psychotherapist is necessary for depression, neuroses, mental trauma, addictions, overstrain, increased anxiety, panic or phobias.
How to prepare for an appointment with a psychotherapist?
It is necessary to prepare documents, a list of previously taken medications, areas of difficulty: problems with the child, inability to find a job, conflicts with employees, constant anxiety.
How do psychotherapists treat depression?
Psychotherapists use medications or psychotherapy to treat someone with depression. The method of exposure is selected by doctors individually based on complaints and positron emission tomography of the brain.
What questions does the psychotherapist ask at the appointment?
Questions that help the psychotherapist clearly formulate the goal of treatment touch upon: the patient’s “baggage,” expectations, and the “starting situation” that served as the reason for the treatment.
Cognitive psychotherapy: how your thinking affects your life
Cognitive psychotherapy is based on the idea that all psychological problems arise in a person as a result of incorrect thinking. One of the founders of this direction is George Armitage Miller.
This direction will be useful if you want to explore your beliefs, their origins, manifestations, their influence on your life and relationships with other people. In this case, there is no talk about what is “right” and “wrong” thinking, but the emphasis is on how a given person’s thinking determines his perception and influences his behavior and life.
Types of psychological assistance
Professional psychological assistance can be roughly divided as follows:
- psychotherapeutic course (consists of 5-10 or more meetings with a specialist);
- one-time consultation
- emergency psychological assistance.
Forms of psychological assistance:
- psychotherapy;
- rehabilitation;
- consulting;
- prevention;
- training;
- crisis intervention (refers to emergency assistance).
Body-oriented psychotherapy
Body-oriented psychotherapy, founded by Wilhelm Reich, is based on the connection of bodily muscle tension with the characteristics of a person’s personality and his emotional experience. The psychotherapist works through muscle tension that arises as a result of a person’s experiences and experiences. This type of psychotherapy is used as an element in other directions, however, as an independent direction, it is also quite effective. It will be especially useful for clients who have difficulty expressing themselves and are introverted. The psychologist follows from the body to awareness. We often explain a lot to ourselves, build hypotheses and logical chains, calculate behavior algorithms, predict our reactions and the behavior of other people. However, our body reflects everything that happens to us and provides the key to understanding these processes.
Transpersonal psychotherapy
Transpersonal psychotherapy studies the phenomena of altered human states, including the so-called “mystical experience”. It is based on the early studies of Carl Jung, William James, and Abraham Maslow. They talked about the connection between the body and consciousness, and considered spirituality. The term “transpersonal” itself means, literally translated, as “existing beyond the personality.” This direction is suitable for those people who view themselves and others from a spiritual perspective. However, it is important to emphasize that in order to work within the framework of this method, the client himself must be ready for this and sufficiently conscious.
How to choose the right psychotherapist
Key points:
- Method of therapy. For example, a visitor is looking for a solution to a specific problem, and a work style aimed at personal growth is not suitable. Or the client seeks to sort out a relationship problem, and the psychotherapist is treating psychosomatic disorders.
- Psychotherapist competence. The specialist must give a clear and concise understanding of education, working methods and prices.
- Relationships outside of therapy. The professional code of ethics prohibits love, sexual, friendly and business contact with the treating psychotherapist.
- Dialogue form. An experienced psychotherapist will not persuade, manipulate, or give recommendations and advice.
- The appearance of a psychotherapist should not be repulsive. Most specialists look neat, avoiding a strict business style.
