What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a treatment process to help people deal with psychological issues.
It involves a voluntary relationship between the client seeking treatment and the therapist who
treats.
What is the purpose of therapeutic alliance?
The purpose of the therapeutic alliance is to help the client resolve the problems being faced by
her or him. This relationship is helpful in building the trust of the client so that problems are
discussed freely.
What is the aim of Psychotherapies?
Psychotherapies aim at changing the maladaptive behaviour, helping the client to adjust better in
his environment and decreasing the sense of personal distress.
What are the characteristics of Psychotherapeutic approaches?
Psychotherapeutic approaches have the following characteristics:
(i) A systematic application of the principles underlying the different theories of therapy, (ii)
Therapist who have received practical training under expert supervision can only practice
psychotherapy.
(iii) Such therapy involves a client who seeks help to overcome his problems and a therapist who
provides help
(iv) the interaction of both therapist and client results in the formation of the therapeutic
relationship.
This relationship is confidential, interpersonal, and dynamic in nature. This human relationship is
central to all psychological therapy and is the instrument for change.
What are the goals of psychotherapies?
All psychotherapies aim at the following goals:
(i) Helping client resolve for betterment.
(ii) Reducing emotional pressure.
(iii) Highlighting the potential for positive growth.
(iv) Modifying habits.
(v) Making thinking more positive.
(vi) Developing self awareness.
(vii) Improving interpersonal relations and communication.
(viii) Encouraging decision making.
(ix) Being aware of one‟s choices in life.
What is therapeutic alliance?
The special bond between the client and the therapist is known as the therapeutic alliance.
This alliance is neither a passing acquaintance, nor a permanent and lasting relationship. It is the
relationship established for a purpose to build trust and faith of the client for the therapy.
Explain the major components of therapeutic alliance?
There are two major components of a therapeutic alliance.
First it is contractual in nature in which two willing individuals, the client and the therapist,
enter into a partnership with the aim of helping the client overcome her/his problems.
The second component of therapeutic alliance is the duration of the therapy which is limited in
nature.
This alliance lasts till the client is able to deal with her/his problems and take control of her/ his
life.
Describe the properties of therapeutic relationships?
The properties of this relationship are unique and are as follows:
 It is a relationship based on trust and confidence. Having trust in the therapist helps the
client to unburden herself/himself to the therapist and confide her/his problems to the
latter. The therapist encourages this by being empathic, genuine and warm.
 Through his behaviour the therapist conveys that s/he is not judging the client and will
continue to show the same positive feelings even if the client is rude or confides all the
„wrong‟ things. This is the unconditional positive regard which the therapist has for the
client.
 The therapist also show empathy for the client which enriches the relationship and
provides it a healing touch.
 This alliance also demands that the therapist must keep strict confidentiality of the
experiences, events and feelings disclosed by the client.
 Lastly, it is a professional relationship, and must remain the same.
How is empathy different from sympathy and intellectual understanding?
Empathy is different from sympathy and intellectual understanding.
 In sympathy, one show compassion and pity towards the suffering of another.
 In intellectual understanding the person is unable to feel like the other person and does
not feel sympathy either.
 On the other hand, empathy is present when one is able to understand the plight of
another person, and feel like the other person. It means understanding things from the
other person‟s perspective, i.e. putting oneself in the other person‟s shoes.
What is unconditional positive regard?
The therapist assures the client through her/his words and behaviour that s/he is not judging
him/her and will continue to show the same positive feelings towards the client even if the client
is rude or confides all the „wrong‟ things to the therapist. This is the unconditional positive
regard which the therapist has for the client.
What are the three broad categories in which psychotherapies may be classified?
Psychotherapies may be classified into three broad categories,
a) the psychodynamic,
b) behaviour, and
c) existential psychotherapies.
In terms of the chronological order, psychodynamic therapy emerged first, followed by
behaviour therapy, while the existential therapies, emerged last.
Psychodynamic
Behavioural
Existential
According to
Psychodynamic
therapy intra-psychic
conflicts, are the source
of psychological
problems.
According to
behaviour therapies,
psychological problems
are caused due to faulty
learning of behaviours
and cognitions.
to
Cause come According
psychodynamic
into
therapy,
unfulfilled
existence
desires and unresolved
fears of childhood are
the cause of intrapsychic conflicts.
The
behaviour
therapy
signifies,
faulty
conditioning,
faulty learning, and
faulty thinking to be
the
cause
of
maladaptive behaviour
which
results
in
problems.
The methods of free
association and dreams
analysis are used to
elicit the thoughts and
feelings of the client in
Psychodynamic
therapy. Interpretation
of these materials by
the client with the help
of therapist is done to
confront and resolve
the conflicts and thus
overcome problems.
Behaviour
therapy
identifies the faulty
conditioning patterns
and works towards
altering the same to
improve behaviour.
Therapeutic Psychodynamic
relationship therapy believes that
the
therapist
understands the client‟s
intra-psychic conflicts
better than the client
and hence it is the
therapist who helps the
client to understand the
The
behaviour
therapy assumes that
the therapist is able to
help client overcome
the faulty behaviour
and thought patterns. It
further states that the
therapist is capable of
finding out the correct
Cause
Treatment
The cognitive methods
challenge the faulty
thinking patterns of the
client
through
questioning to help
her/him
overcome
psychological distress.
The
existential
therapies state that the
questions about the
meaning of one‟s life
and existence are the
cause
of
psychological
problems.
The
existential
therapy
places
importance on the
present. According to
them the feelings of
loneliness, alienation,
sense of futility are
seen to be the cause
of
psychological
problems.
The
existential
therapy provides a
therapeutic
environment which is
positive, accepting,
and nonjudgmental.
In
this
positive
environment
the
client is able to talk
about the problems
and the therapist acts
as a facilitator. The
client
gradually
understands
his
problems and arrives
at the solutions. This
leads to personal
growth.
In contrast to these
therapies,
the
existential therapies
emphasize
on
therapist to provide a
warm and empathic
relationship in which
the client feels secure
to speak about the
same so that the client behaviour and thought nature and causes of
can gain an insight.
patterns, thus will help her/his problems.
the client to adapt well
to his situations.
Psychodynamic
chief
brings
benefit to therapy
emotional
insight
the client
which is a fruitful
benefit to the client
from the treatment.
Emotional insight is
present when the client
understands
her/his
conflicts intellectually;
is able to accept the
same emotionally; and
thus is able to resolve
his conflict
duration of Psychoanalysis
generally continues for
treatment
many years. Some
recent versions of the
same however are
completed in 10–15
sessions
The
behaviour
therapy
considers
changing
faulty
behaviour to adaptive
ones which ensures
reduction of distress
and
removal
of
symptoms.
The
humanistic
therapy
values
personal growth by
gaining
increasing
understanding
of
oneself, and one‟s
aspirations, emotions
and motives. This is
the chief benefit of
this approach.
Behaviour
therapy,
cognitive behaviour
therapy
and
existential therapy are
shorter
and
are
completed in a few
months.
Thus, therapies vary
as far as duration is
concerned. However,
they all share this
common goal of
providing relief from
psychological
distress.
What are the steps in formulating the problems of the client in the therapeutic model?
The steps in formulating the problems of the client in the therapeutic model are as follows:
1. Understanding the problem: The therapist is able to understand the full implications of the
distress being experienced by the client.
2. Identification of the areas to be targeted for treatment in psychotherapy- The therapist
identifies the problem areas to be targeted for therapy and then work on it. Thus, if a client has a
problem in holding a job and reports inability to face his boss, the clinical formulation in
behaviour therapy would state it as lack of assertiveness skills and anxiety.
3. Choice of techniques for treatment: The techniques for treatment depend on the problem
faced by the client and also on the therapeutic system in which the therapist has been trained.
However, the choice of techniques, timing of the techniques, and the result of the therapy
depends upon the clinical formulation.
Psychodynamic Therapy
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
 The psychodynamic therapy is pioneered by Sigmund Freud and is the oldest of all
psychotherapy.



Psychoanalysts views intra psychic conflicts to be the cause of psychological disorder.
The psychodynamic therapy helps clients to locate the source of psychological distress.
Freud‟s successors known as Neo Freudians established their own versions of classical
psychodynamic therapy. Carl Jung‟s analytical psychotherapy is one of them.
Two methods used by psychoanalysts for eliciting intra psychic conflict?
Methods used to elicit this intra psychic conflict:
Free association
Dream interpretation.
Free association
Dream Interpretation.




After establishing a therapeutic
relationship and making the client
comfortable, the therapist makes
her/him lie down on the couch,
close her/his eyes and asks her/ him
to speak freely whatever that comes
to his/her mind. This is called free
association.
The
client speaks freely in an
atmosphere that is relaxed and
trusting.
The therapist does not interrupt the
free flow of ideas.
This free un-censored verbal
narration of the client is a window
into the client‟s unconscious to
which the therapist and the client
gain access.




Dream analysis is one way to
understand the unconscious mind in
psycho-analysis.
The client reports his dream in the
session which he writes down upon
waking up. Dreams use symbols as
they are indirect expressions and
hence would not disturb the
sleeping consciousness.
If the unfulfilled desires are
expressed directly in the dream, the
ever-vigilant ego would suppress
them.
These symbols are interpreted as
unfulfilled desires and conflicts.
Modalities of Treatment.
Transference and Interpretation are the means of treating the patient.
Transference
 As the materials from the unconsciousness are brought into the consciousness through
free association and dream interpretation, the client starts identifying the therapist with
the authority figures of the childhood.
 The therapist may be seen as the dominant father, or as the caring mother.
 The therapist understands this and maintains a non-judgmental yet permissive attitude
which allows the client to continue with this process of emotional identification. This is
called transference. This transference helps the therapist in understanding the
unconscious conflicts of the client.
This transference can be of two types: Positive transference and negative transference.
 In positive transference the client idolizes the therapist, and seeks the therapist’s
approval.
 Negative transference occurs when the client has feelings of anger, and resentment
towards the therapist.
 Transference neurosis
The client acts out her/his anger, fear, and frustration that s/he harbored towards the person in the
past, but could not express at that time. The therapist becomes a substitute figure for that person
in the present. This is called transference neurosis. This is helpful in making the therapist aware
of the intra psychic conflicts suffered by the client.
Resistance
 In the course of therapy the client often experience resistance. The client is often exposed
to unconscious materials which are the cause of distress and this cause resistance. This
hinders the progress of therapy. Resistance can be conscious or unconscious.
a. Conscious resistance is present when the client deliberately hides some information.
b. Unconscious resistance can be seen when the client becomes silent during the
therapy session, recalls trivial details, misses appointments or comes late for therapy
sessions.
Interpretation
o The unconscious material are uncovered in the process of free association and dream
interpretation,
o Transference and resistance are used by the therapist to make the client aware of the intra
psychic conflicts.
o The therapist help the client overcome resistance by repeated clarification and
confrontation.
a. In confrontation, the therapist points out that aspect of the psyche to the
client that s/he must face.
b. Clarification is the process of bringing a vague or confusing event into sharp
focus. This is done by segregating important details from unimportant ones.
c. The process of confrontation, clarification, and interpretation is known as
working through which helps in better understanding of self.
d. The outcome of working through is insight Insight is the terminal point of
therapy as the client has gained a new understanding of herself/himself.
Psychoanalysis is terminated at this stage.
What is the duration of treatment in psycho-analysis?
Psychoanalysis is an intense treatment and lasts for several years, with one hour session for 4–5
days per week.
What are the three stages in the treatment of Psycho-analysis?
There are three stages in the treatment.
 Stage one is the initial phase. The client establishes a therapeutic relationship with the
therapist.
 Stage two is the middle phase, and is characterized by transference, resistance on the
part of the client, and confrontation and clarification, on the part of therapist. All these
processes finally lead to insight.
 The third phase is the termination phase wherein the relationship with the analyst is
dissolved and the client is prepared to leave the therapy.
Behaviour Therapy

Behaviour therapy believes that the cause of distress is faulty behaviour patterns or
thought patterns.

It, thus, focuses on the behaviour and thoughts of the client in the present.

The past is relevant only to understand the origin of the faulty behavior.


Behaviour therapy consists of number of specific techniques and interventions.
The problems faced by the client and the clinical diagnosis are the guiding factors in the
selection of the specific techniques to be used.
Treatment of phobias or fears would require the use of one technique while that of anger
outbursts would require another. A depressed client would be treated differently from a client
who is under stress.

The foundation of behaviour therapy is to understand faulty behaviours, the factors
which reinforce and maintain these behaviours, and using methods by which they can be
changed.
Method of treatment
Behavioural analysis is carried out to find:
 Malfunctioning behaviours,
 The antecedents of faulty learning, and
 The factors that maintain or continue faulty learning.
Malfunctioning behaviour is the cause of distress to the client.
Antecedent factors predispose the person to indulge in that behaviour.
Maintaining factors lead to the persistence of the faulty behaviour.
An example would be a young man who has acquired the malfunctioning behaviour of smoking
and seeks help.
Behavioural analysis reveals that the person started smoking when he was preparing for his
exam. He experienced relief from anxiety upon smoking. Thus, anxiety provoking situation
becomes the antecedent factor. The feeling of relief becomes the maintaining factor. The person
has acquired the operant response of smoking, which is maintained by the reinforcing value of
relief from anxiety.
Aim of the treatment in behaviour therapy:
The aim of the treatment is to help the client eliminate the faulty behaviours and replace them
with adaptive behaviour. This is done by establishing antecedent operations and consequent
operations.
 Antecedent operations checks behaviour by changing something that precedes such
behaviour.
 The change can be done by modifying the reinforcing value of a particular consequence.
This is called establishing operation. For example, if a child gives trouble in eating
lunch, an establishing operation would be to decrease the quantity of food served at
breakfast and not to give anything to eat in between. This would increase the hunger at
lunch and thereby increase the reinforcing value of food at that time. Praising the child
when s/he eats properly will encourage this behaviour.
 The antecedent operation is the reduction of food intake before lunch and the consequent
operation is praising the child for eating lunch. It establishes the response of eating
lunch.
Behavioural Techniques
Negative reinforcement and aversive conditioning
1. Negative reinforcement is an undesired response with an outcome that is painful or not
liked. For example, the teacher scolds a child who shouts in class. This is negative
reinforcement.
2. Aversive conditioning refers to repeated association of undesired response with an aversive
consequence. For example, an alcoholic is given a mild electric shock and asked to smell the
alcohol. With repeated pairing the smell of alcohol become aversive as the pain of the shock
is associated with it and the person will give up alcohol.
3. positive reinforcement
If an adaptive behaviour occurs rarely, positive reinforcement is given to increase the same. For
example, if a child does not do homework regularly, positive reinforcement may be used by
praising him in front of the whole class whenever s/he does homework. The positive
reinforcement of praise will increase this behaviour of doing homework at an appropriate time.
4. Token economy?
A token can be given as a reward to motivate positive behavior. These tokens are collected and
exchanged for a reward such as enjoying an outing or a treat for the child. This is known as
token economy.
5. Differential reinforcement .
Unwanted behaviour can be reduced and wanted behaviour can be increased simultaneously by
differential reinforcement. This is done by applying Positive reinforcement for the wanted
behaviour and negative reinforcement for the unwanted behaviour.
6. Systematic desensitization.
Systematic desensitization technique is a technique introduced by Wolpe for treating phobias or
irrational fears. In this, the therapist prepares a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli with the
least anxiety-provoking stimuli at the bottom. The therapist relaxes the client and asks him/her to
think about the least anxiety-provoking situation. The client is instructed to stop thinking of the
fearful situation if he/she feels even slightest of tension. Gradually after some sessions, the client
is able to imagine more severe fear provoking situations and this way the client gets
systematically desensitized to the fear.
This principle of reciprocal inhibition states that with the presence of two mutually opposing
forces at the same time, the weaker force is inhibited. Thus, the relaxation response is first built
up and mildly anxiety-provoking scene is imagined, and this anxiety is reduced by the relaxation.
The client is able to tolerate greater levels of anxiety because of her/his relaxed state.
7. Modeling.
Modeling is the technique in which the client learns to behave in a certain way by observing the
behaviour of others or of a role model. This learning is used by rewarding small changes in the
behavior and the client gradually learns to acquire the behaviour of the model.
Cognitive Therapy
Rational Emotive Therapy cognitive therapy by
Aaron Beck
According to this therapy, The aim of this therapy is to
irrational beliefs interfere achieve
cognitive
with antecedent events and restructuring which, then,
their consequences. The reduces
anxiety
and
first step in RET is the depression.
Childhood
antecedentbelief- experiences develop core
consequence
(ABC) schema. Thus, a client, who
analysis. The client is was neglected by his
questioned to find the parents as a child, develops
irrational beliefs, which the core schema of “I am
distort the present reality. not wanted”. During the
Irrational beliefs may not be course of life, an incident
supported by empirical occurs where S/he is
evidence. These beliefs are publicly ridiculed by the
generally thoughts with teacher in school. This
„musts‟ and „shoulds‟, like critical incident triggers the
“I should be loved by core schema of “I am not
everybody all the time”. wanted” leading to the
These irrational beliefs are development of negative
assessed
through automatic thoughts. Such
questionnaires
and thoughts are characterized
interviews. They are then by cognitive distortions.
refuted by the therapist These patterns of thought
through a process of non- are called dysfunctional
directive questioning. The cognitive
structures.
questions make the client Repeated occurrence of
think deeper into her/his these thoughts leads to the
assumptions and problems. feeling of anxiety and
Gradually the client is able depression. The therapist
to change the irrational uses questioning, which is
beliefs by changing her gentle and non-threatening.
Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy
CBT provides an effective
treatment for a wide range
of psychological disorders
such as anxiety, depression,
panic attacks etc. CBT
adopts a bio-psychosocial
approach.
It
combines
cognitive therapy with
behavioural
techniques.
According to this therapy
the client‟s distress has its
origin in the biological,
psychological, and social
realms. Hence, addressing
the
biological
aspects
through
relaxation
procedures,
the
psychological ones through
behaviour therapy and
cognitive
therapy
techniques and the social
ones with environmental
manipulations makes it a
comprehensive technique
which can be used in a
variety of situations.
thinking. Thinking becomes
more rational and there is
reduction in psychological
distress.
Example of such question
would be, “Why should
everyone love you?” etc.
The questions make the
client think in a direction
opposite to that of the
negative automatic thoughts
thereby s/he gains insight
into the nature of her/his
dysfunctional schemas, and
is able to alter her/his
cognitive structures.
What is the duration and focus of cognitive therapy?
Cognitive therapy focuses on solving the specific problem of the client and lasts for around 10–
20 sessions.
Humanistic Existential Therapy
The humanistic-existential therapies states that psychological distress arises out of feelings of
loneliness, isolation, and an inability to find meaning in life.
There is an innate need to grow emotionally. When these needs are blocked, human beings
experience psychological distress.
Human beings desires for personal growth and self-actualization
The Humanistic Approach, given by Carl Rogers and Abrahim Maslow, put emphasis on the
positive aspects of life and aims towards achieving self actualization. Self-actualization can be
seen as similar to words and concepts such as self-discovery, self-reflection, self-realisation and
self-exploration.
As Abraham Maslow noted, the basic needs of humans must be met (e.g. food, shelter, warmth,
security, sense of belonging) before a person can achieve self-actualization – an innate or inborn
force that moves the person to become more balanced, and integrated, without being fragmented.
Humanistic existential therapy is based on the belief that Healing occurs when the client is able
to see the obstacles to self-actualization and is able to overcome them. Self-actualization is
achieved by free emotional expression which is being curbed by the society.
The therapy creates a permissive, nonjudgmental and accepting atmosphere in which the client
can express his emotions freely and integration could be achieved. The therapist is merely a
facilitator and guide. The client is responsible for the success of therapy. The chief aim is to
expand the client‟s awareness.
Healing takes place when the client is able to understanding the unique personal experiences by
herself/himself.
Existential therapy
Victor Frankl
Therapy
by
Therapy Gestalt
Freiderick (Fritz) Perls &
Laura Perls
Brought the concept of self, The German word gestalt
with freedom and choice as means
„whole‟.
This
the core of one‟s being. The therapy was given by
therapy provides a warm Freiderick (Fritz) Perls and
relationship which helps the wife Laura Perls. The goal
client to reconnect with of gestalt therapy is to
her/his
disintegrated increase self-awareness and
feelings. The therapist has self acceptance in a client.
empathy and unconditional The purpose is to help client
positive regard for the recognize
the
bodily
client Empathy builds up an processes and the emotions
emotional
resonance that are being blocked from
between the therapist and awareness. The therapist
the client. This positive encourages the client to act
warmth of the therapist out his/her fantasies about
makes the client feel secure feelings and conflicts. This
and he can trust the therapy can also be used in
therapist. The therapist group settings.
reflects the feelings of the
client in a nonjudgmental
manner, by rephrasing the
statements of the client,
which
means
seeking
simple clarifications to
enhance the meaning of the
client‟s statements. Thus
this reflection helps the
client to become integrated,
helping client to become
her/his real self with the
therapist working as a
facilitator.
by Client-centered
by Carl Rogers
According to this therapy,
the goal is help clients find
meaning and responsibility
in their lives. This therapy
is propounded by Victor
Frankl and is named as
Logotherapy.
Flankl
emphasized the role of
spiritual anxieties causing
meaninglessness and strive
for finding spiritual truth of
one‟s existence. He speaks
of spiritual unconsciousness
which is the storehouse of
aesthetic awareness, love
and values of life.
He
speaks of neurotic or
existential anxiety which
occur when life problems
are attached to physical,
psychological or spiritual
aspect of one‟s existence.
In Logo therapy the
therapist shares his values,
feelings openly with the
client. Focus is on the
present and the client is
helped to find the meaning
of his/her being.
Biomedical Therapy
Medicines are prescribed to treat psychological disorders which can only be done by qualified
medical professionals known as psychiatrists. Severe disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar
disorder require anti-psychotic drugs. Common mental disorders such as generalized anxiety or
reactive depression may also require milder drugs. These medicines can cause side-effects and
should be monitored. Hence, it is essential that medication is given under proper medical
supervision. Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) is another form of biomedical therapy. Mild
electric shock is given via electrodes to the brain of the patient to induce convulsions. ECT is not
a routine practice and is given only when drugs are not effective in controlling the symptoms of
the patient.
Describe some of the factors Contributing to Healing in Psychotherapy
There are several factors which contribute to the healing in psychotherapy. Some of these
factors are :
1. A major factor in this process is the techniques adopted by the therapist. If behaviorism and
CBT are adopted to heal an anxious client, the technique of relaxation procedure by behaviorist
and the cognitive restructuring used in CBT, largely contribute to the healing.
2. The therapeutic alliance, formed between the therapist and the client, has healing properties, as
warmth and empathy is provided by the therapist.
3. The client is given an environment to unburden the emotional problems being faced by
him/her. This process of emotional unburdening is known as catharsis, and has healing
properties.
4. There are other non-specific factors which help in healing process are motivation for change,
expectation of improvement due to the treatment, etc. These are called patient variables. Nonspecific factors attributable to the therapist or therapist variable are positive nature, absence of
unresolved emotional conflicts, presence of good mental health, etc.
What are the Ethics to be followed in Psychotherapy?
Some of the ethical standards that are practiced by psychotherapists are:
1. Informed consent to be taken.
2. Confidentiality of the client to be maintained.
3. The goal of therapy should be to alleviate personal distress and suffering of the client.
4. Integrity of the practitioner-client relationship to be maintained.
5. Respect for human rights and dignity.
6. Professional competence and skills.
Alternative therapies
Therapies which provide alternative treatment possibilities to the conventional drug treatment or
psychotherapy are called alternative therapies. Some alternative therapies are yoga, meditation,
acupuncture, herbal remedies etc.
Yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation have gained popularity even for treating clients with psychological
distress. Yoga is an ancient Indian technique found in the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali‟s Yoga
Sutras. It either refers to only the asanas or breathing practices known as pranayama, or to a
combination of the two. Meditation refers to the practice of focusing attention on breath or on an
object or a mantra.
Vipasana meditation
Vipasana meditation, also known as mindfulness-based meditation. In this there is no fixed
object or thought to hold the attention. The person passively observes the various bodily
sensations and thoughts that are passing through in her/ his awareness.
Sudarshan Kriya
The rapid breathing techniques to induce hyperventilation is done in Sudarshana Kriya Yoga
(SKY) which is found to be a beneficial, low-risk, low-cost treatment of stress, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and other stress related medical illnesses. SKY has
been used as an technique to alleviate PTSD in survivors of mass disasters. Proper training by a
skilled teacher and a 30-minute practice every day maximize the benefits. Research conducted at
the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India, has shown that
SKY reduces depression.
How these help in treatment?
Insomnia is treated with yoga. The Institute for Nonlinear Science, University of California, San
Diego, USA has found that Kundalini Yoga is effective in the treatment of obsessive compulsive
disorder. Kundalini Yoga combines pranayama or breathing techniques with chanting of
mantras. Prevention of repeated episodes of depression may be helped by mindfulness based
meditation or Vipasana. This meditation would help the patients to process emotional stimuli
better and hence prevent biases in the processing of these stimuli
REHABILITATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL
Discuss REHABILITATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL?
Psychological disorders are mainly treated for reduction of symptoms, and improving the level of
functioning. In the case of milder disorders such as generalized anxiety, reactive depression or
phobia, reduction of symptoms results in improvement in the quality of life. However, in the case
of severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, reduction of symptoms may further demand
rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation helps patients to become self-sufficient. The aim of rehabilitation is to empower
the patient to become a productive member of society to the extent possible. In rehabilitation, the
patients are given occupational therapy, social skills training, and vocational therapy.
Occupational
Social skills
Cognitive
Vocational therapy
therapy
training
retraining
In occupational
Social skills training Cognitive retraining As the patient
therapy, the patients helps patient to
is given to improve improves
are taught skills
develop
the basic cognitive
sufficiently,
such as handicrafts, interpersonal skills
functions of
vocational training
paper bag making
through role play,
attention, memory
is given to make
and weaving to help instructions and
and executive
patient become
them form a work
imitation.
functions
independent
discipline.
member of the
society.