Introduction to Therapies in Psychology

In this chapter, we explore how different psychological theories are put into practice to help people. Since Unit 2 Topic D focuses on Learning Theories and Development, we will look at two very different ways of treating psychological issues: Systematic Desensitisation (based on how we learn from our environment) and Psychoanalysis (based on our inner unconscious mind and childhood development).

Think of it this way: if a computer has a glitch, you can either try to fix the current software settings (Learning Theories) or look deep into the original code written years ago to find the hidden bug (Psychodynamic Theory). Both therapies aim to help the individual, but they go about it in completely different ways!

1. Systematic Desensitisation (SD)

Systematic Desensitisation is a behavioral therapy used primarily to treat phobias (extreme, irrational fears). It is based on the principles of Classical Conditioning, which you studied earlier in this unit. The goal is to "unlearn" a fear response and replace it with a relaxation response.

The Core Idea: Reciprocal Inhibition
This is a fancy way of saying that you cannot feel two opposite emotions at the same time. You cannot be "extremely relaxed" and "extremely terrified" simultaneously. SD works by teaching the patient to be relaxed while facing their fear, so the relaxation "inhibits" (blocks) the fear.

How Systematic Desensitisation Works: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Functional Analysis
The therapist and patient talk to understand exactly what triggers the fear and how the patient reacts. They identify the "problem learning" that needs to be changed.

Step 2: Relaxation Training
The patient is taught specific techniques to relax their body. This might include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and then releasing muscles), or visualising a peaceful place.

Step 3: Creating a Hierarchy of Fear
The patient creates a "ladder" of situations involving their phobia, ranked from least scary to most scary. For example, if someone has a phobia of spiders:
1. Looking at a cartoon drawing of a spider (Least scary)
2. Looking at a photo of a real spider
3. Being in the same room as a spider in a jar
4. Holding the jar
5. Letting a spider crawl on their hand (Most scary)

Step 4: Gradual Exposure
The patient starts at the bottom of the ladder. They use their relaxation techniques while facing the least scary situation. Once they feel completely calm, they move up to the next step. If they get too scared, they go back down a step until they are ready. Eventually, they reach the top of the ladder and are "desensitised."

Quick Review: SD is like learning to swim. You don't just jump into the deep end! You start by dipping your toes in, then standing in the shallow end, and gradually moving deeper as you feel safe.

Evaluating Systematic Desensitisation

Validity: There is strong evidence that SD is highly effective for specific phobias. For example, the contemporary study by Capafons et al. (1998) showed it was successful in treating the fear of flying.

Objectivity: The process is quite objective because it focuses on observable behaviors (the hierarchy) and physical relaxation, rather than guessing what is in the patient's head.

Reliability: The treatment follows a standardised, step-by-step procedure. This means different therapists can apply it in the same way, making it a reliable method.


2. Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis comes from the Psychodynamic approach. Unlike SD, which looks at outside behavior, psychoanalysis looks "under the hood" at the unconscious mind. It assumes that our adult problems come from unresolved conflicts during our childhood development.

Key Techniques in Psychoanalysis

Free Association
The patient is encouraged to talk about anything and everything that comes to mind, without censoring themselves. The idea is that "slips of the tongue" or random thoughts will eventually reveal hidden secrets from the unconscious mind.

Dream Analysis
Freud believed dreams were the "royal road to the unconscious." A therapist looks at the Manifest Content (what actually happened in the dream) to find the Latent Content (the hidden, symbolic meaning).

Transference and Counter-transference
- Transference: This happens when a patient starts to direct feelings they have for someone else (like a parent) toward the therapist. For example, if a patient is angry at their father, they might start acting very angry toward the therapist for no obvious reason.
- Counter-transference: This is when the therapist starts to have emotional reactions toward the patient. Therapists must be careful to keep this in check so it doesn't interfere with the treatment.

The Object Relations School of Thought

This is a variation of psychodynamic theory. Instead of focusing mostly on internal biological drives, it focuses on relationships. "Objects" usually refer to significant people in a child's life (like the mother). It suggests that our personality is shaped by how we "internalised" these early relationships when we were babies.

Evaluating Psychoanalysis

Subjectivity: A major criticism is that psychoanalysis is very subjective. Two different therapists might interpret the same dream in two completely different ways. There is no scientific "rule book" for what a dream about a train "must" mean.

Credibility: Because the unconscious mind cannot be seen or measured, many scientists argue that psychoanalysis lacks scientific credibility. It is difficult to prove if an interpretation is "right" or "wrong."

Generalisability: Psychoanalysis often involves intense, long-term case studies of individuals. This makes it hard to generalise the findings to the wider population, as everyone’s unconscious mind and childhood experiences are unique.


Comparison Summary: SD vs. Psychoanalysis

Focus: SD focuses on observable behavior; Psychoanalysis focuses on the unconscious mind.

Timeframe: SD is usually short-term (a few weeks); Psychoanalysis is long-term (often years).

Scientific Basis: SD is based on empirical (measurable) learning theories; Psychoanalysis is based on theoretical psychodynamic concepts.

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just remember that SD is about "training" the body's response, while Psychoanalysis is about "talking" to uncover the past. You might see a question asking you to compare these, so keep those differences in mind!

Key Takeaways Checklist

  • Systematic Desensitisation: Uses relaxation and a fear hierarchy to unlearn phobias via classical conditioning.
  • Reciprocal Inhibition: You can't be relaxed and scared at the same time.
  • Free Association & Dream Analysis: Methods to access the unconscious in psychoanalysis.
  • Transference: Shifting feelings from a parent/relative onto the therapist.
  • Object Relations: A psychodynamic focus on early relationships with "objects" (people).
  • Evaluation Terms: SD is generally seen as more objective and reliable, while Psychoanalysis is seen as more subjective and harder to generalise.