psychological treatments

• Behaviourism

  Behaviorist principles are used in the treatment of phobias, flooding and systematic desensitisation are therapies that use exposure to the phobic object in an attempt to counter condition phobias, ultimately replacing a fear association with calm.
• SLT

  Social learning therapy uses modelling in a safe environment to alter maladaptive behaviour. Meaningful role models display appropriate behaviour. For example, in treating a child with high levels of aggression, a therapist may show a video of similarly aged children interacting prosocially and being rewarded for their good behaviour.
• Cognitive approach

  Cognitive principles have been used to develop cognitive behavioural therapy. CBT is designed to cognitively restructure irrational thoughts, such as negative schemas about the self, world and future. Strategies include reality testing irrational thoughts by acting as a scientist and the therapist disputing irrational thoughts.
• Biological approach

  Biological theories have led to treatments that influence biological processes, such as brain surgery and drug therapy. Drug therapies for mental health conditions often work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters. For example, SSRIs slow the reuptake of serotonin into the synaptic teminal.
• Psychodynamic approach

  Psychodynamic ideas form the basis of psychotherapy, a talking therapy that uses introspection to focus on past experiences. Therapists then use these discussions to explore how unconscious thoughts and feelings may be negatively impacting current behaviour and relationships.
• Humanistic approach

  Client-centered therapy focuses not on mental illness but on the client's capacity for growth. The therapist's role is not to direct the client but to assist the client in understanding their experiences and producing solutions. The therapist also provides unconditional positive regard, accepting clients for the way they are.