Psychotherapy & Psychopharmacology

Forms of Psychotherapy

• Psychoanalytic

• Humanistic

• Behavioral

• Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy

• based on BEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE (LEARNING)

• assumes abnormal behavior is learned, especially through classical or operant conditioning

• therapist works to help LEARN new, more adaptive behaviors

Therapies based on

classical conditioning:

goal =

learn a new CR to the same US

through

EXPOSURE paired with relaxation

Types of classical conditioning-based therapies:

• systematic desensitization = gradual exposure

• flooding = intense/rapid exposure

• aversive conditioning = pairing undesirable behavior with unpleasant stimulus to create a negative association

Therapies based on

operant conditioning /

behavior modification:

increase or decrease behaviors based on

use of reinforcement or punishment

Example of behavior modification therapy = token economy

• reinforcement is used to modify behavior

• earn tokens (points) for desired behaviors

• tokens can be redeemed for privileges