Psychotherapy

• What is psychotherapy?


  > developed by Freud

  > personal counselling with a psychotherapist, talking therapy

  > alcoholism is a manifestation of an unresolved problem (begun early in life)

  > addict may use alcohol as a coping mechanism for negative emotions
• What is the technique of psychotherapy?

  > access unconscious thoughts

  > focuses on defence mechanisms (e.g. denial)
• What do the sessions entail?

  > usually less than 1 hour

  > addict + therapist discuss in a treatment room and discuss issues

  > discussions about dreams and fantasies are analysed

  > sessions are weekly

  > continue until issues are resolved (could be months or years)N

  > £70 per 45 minute session
• What happens after the sessions?

  > clients claim that talking is therapeutic and they feel a sense of relief

  > a secure and trusting relationship between therapist and patient is necessary
• What is group psychotherapy?

  > feel a sense of community, encourages empathy, altruism and interpersonal skill development
• PARAGRAPH 1

  AO1

  - what is psychotherapy

  - techniques that are used

  AO3

  + supporting evidence: smith (meta-analysis of 475 studies - effective in enhancing psychological well being)

  Development point - secondary data = validity

  - refuting evidence: frawley & smith (AT = 81% abstinent for at least 6 months, 71% after 20 months)

  Development point - success rate is not 100%
• PARAGRAPH 2


  AO1

  - sessions

  - post sessions

  AO3

  + curative - focuses on underlying causes of addiction, leads to more long time abstinence

  - psychotherapy alone ignores physical side effects of withdrawal, which could lead to relapse
• PARAGRAPH 3

  AO1

  - group psychotherapy

  AO3

  + ethical: not an invasive procedure

  - less ethical: childhood trauma is an uncomfortable conversation
• CONCLUSION


  AO3

  + client has more control over therapy; more power

  - not accessible: limited availability on NHS, £70 a session