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Short-term dynamic psychotherapies (STDP) work well for nonresistant patients whose resolution of problems do not become steeped in long term transferential problems relating to the doctor and for whom problems are significant but not overwhelmingly complex. Such patients often have some beginning insight or awareness of potential causes of their problems. Treatment begins with a comprehensive diagnostic examination which determines whether the problems/disorder can be appropriately treated by a particular psychotherapeutic technique. The doctor also determines whether the patient has the strength to confront the underlying causes for their problems and that there is the potential for positive response to short term intervention. As in psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapies, STDP does involve examination of of the means by which unconscious needs and drives influence a patient's behavior and functional capacity.

Client-centered psychotherapy arose during the period of 1938-1950 and broadened the scope of patients treated by this approach in the 60s and 70s. The characteristics that distinguished this form of patient care included the belief that specific characteristics of the doctor were necessary and sufficient for effective treatment; rejection of the medical/disease model and focus upon the growth model of patient change; the immediate (rather than emotionally distant) accessibility of the doctor; focus upon the experiences of the patient; focus upon the patient's ability to live within the moment; concern for personality change rather than personality structure; and belief that the process applies to all patients rather than a select group; application of all knowledge of the impact of psychotherapy upon the interpersonal process. Many patients reported significant gains after only brief treatment exposure in contrast to the greater time period perceived required by other modes of treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy is based upon a theory of psychopathology, set of psychotherapeutic principles, and knowledge based upon empirical investigation. It is based upon information-processing theory and social psychology. Aside from being effective with a wide range of disorders, it appears to enhance the impact of medications used to treat such disorders and has appeal in that it is active, structured and time-limited. Pain, phobias, and mood disorders as well as psychophysiologic (psychosomatic) disorders have been treated successfully with this treatment approach. Errors in our thinking leading to self-defeating assumptions, incorrect interpretation of information, and lack of adequate problem solving planning are believed to be at the heart of our problems. Treatment assist the patient in identifying, testing the reality of, and correcting dysfunctional beliefs underlying our thinking and to assist the patient in modifying the thoughts and behaviors which emerge.

Relaxation Techniques in this form of therapy the patient is helped to resolve stresses that can contribute to the particular disorder. Breathing re-training and other skills are taught in which the patient is actively involved in developing skills that are useful for a lifetime. Can take time to achieve results and treatment benefits are limited to active use of the techniques.

Adlerian Therapy is a growth model.  It stresses a positive view of human nature and that we are in control of our own fate and not a victim to it.  We start at an early age in creating our own unique style of life and that style stays relatively constant through the remained of our life.  That we are motivated by our setting of goals,  how we deal with the tasks we face in life,  and our social interest.  The therapist will gather as much family history as they can.  They will use this data to help set goals for the client and to get an idea of the clients' past performance.  This will help make certain the goal is not to low or high,    and that the client has the means to reach it.  The goal of Adlerian Therapy is to challenge and encourage the clients' premises and goals.  To encourage goals that are useful socially and to help them feel equal.  These goals maybe from any component of life including,  parenting skills,  marital skills,   ending substance-abuse,   and most anything else.  The therapist will focus on and examine the clients' lifestyle and the therapist will try to form a mutual respect and trust for each other.  They will then mutually set goals and the therapist will provided encouragement to the client in reaching their goals.  The therapist may also assign homework,   setup contracts between them and the client,  and make suggestions on how the client can reach their goals.

Existential Therapy Focuses on freedom of choice in shaping one's own life.  Teaches one is responsible to shape his / her own life and a need for self-determination and self-awareness.  The uniqueness of each individual forms his / her own unique personality,  starting from infancy. Existential therapy focuses on the present and on the future.  The therapist try's to help the client see they are free and to see the possibilities for their future.   They will challenge the client to recognize that he / she themselves were responsible for the events in their life. This type of therapy is well suited in helping the client to make good choices or in dealing with life.

continue: Gestalt Therapy

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Reviewed: 04/2006