Theories of Psychotherapy

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, because the Freudian model did not fit all patients into in the manifestation phase or, in many cases, the circumstances surrounding their resolution; psychoanalysts Joseph Weiss and Aaron Beck devised alternative therapy theories. The author points out that Weiss' Control Theory combines the origins of psychological pathology with issues of just "how" the patient interacts within therapy to form a more useful and therapeutically successful model. The paper relates that Aaron Beck, in his work treating patients suffering from depression, devised another theory, known as "Cognitive Behavioral Theory", in which the patient's internal thoughts, belief system, attitudes and perceptions influence both the emotional characteristics of the patient and the strength under which the depressed patient struggles.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Control Theory
Role of the Therapist
Cognitive Therapy: Beck
Role of the Therapist
Comparisons
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"If, as Weiss asserts, the patient is imbibed with a subconscious drive to master his or her psychopathology, then the role of the therapist in working with the patient is to uncover his or her patient's specific and individual internal "plan" to resolve their issues. In so doing, the therapist becomes a kind of facilitator, allowing the patient's internal drive toward health to resolve the problem. In order for the therapist to be an effective facilitator, however, he or she must clearly understand the issues of "control and mastery" involved."

More papers on Theories of Psychotherapy:

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