Module 72 REVIEW

• 72-1 Does psychotherapy work? How can we know?

• Clients’ and therapists’ positive testimonials cannot prove that therapy is actually effective, and the placebo effect makes it difficult to judge whether improvement occurred because of the treatment.
• Using meta-analyses to statistically combine the results of hundreds of randomized psychotherapy outcome studies, researchers have found that those not undergoing treatment often improve, but those undergoing psychotherapy are more likely to improve more quickly and with less chance of relapse.

• 72-2 Are some psychotherapies more effective than others for specific disorders?

• No one type of psychotherapy is generally superior to all others. Therapy is most effective for those with clear-cut, specific problems.
• Some therapies—such as behavior conditioning for treating phobias and compulsions—are more effective for specific disorders.
• Psychodynamic therapy has helped treat depression and anxiety, and cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapies have been effective in helping people cope with anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and depression.
• Evidence-based practice integrates the best available research with clinicians’ expertise and patients’ characteristics, preferences, and circumstances.

• 72-3 How do alternative therapies fare under scientific scrutiny?

• Controlled research has found some benefits of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for PTSD, though possibly for reasons unrelated to eye movements.
• Light exposure therapy does seem to help those with a seasonal pattern in their depression symptoms by activating a brain region that influences arousal and hormones.

• 72-4 What three elements are shared by all forms of psychotherapy?

• All psychotherapies offer new hope for demoralized people; a fresh perspective; and (if the therapist is effective) an empathic, trusting, and caring relationship.
• The emotional bond of trust and understanding between therapist and client—the therapeutic alliance—is an important element in effective therapy.

• 72-5 How do culture and values influence the therapist-client relationship?

• Therapists differ in the values that influence their goals in therapy and their views of progress. These differences may create problems if therapists and clients differ in their cultural, gender, or religious perspectives.

• 72-6 What should a person look for when selecting a psychotherapist?

• A person seeking therapy may want to ask about the therapist’s treatment approach, values, credentials, and fees.
• An important consideration is whether the therapy seeker feels comfortable and able to establish a bond with the therapist.

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Trevor spends 45 minutes a day in front of an intense light. It is most likely that he is being treated with
   1. cognitive therapy.
   2. light therapy.
   3. EMDR therapy.
   4. rational-emotive behavior therapy.
   5. psychodynamic therapy.
2. Meta-analysis is
   1. a drug study based on a small sample.
   2. a treatment versus no treatment group.
   3. a tendency for smaller scores to move toward the average.
   4. regressing from unusual to usual.
   5. a way to combine the results of many studies.
3. Which of the following is the best phrase for a bond of trust and mutual understanding between a therapist and client who are working to overcome the client’s problem?
   1. Therapeutic alliance
   2. EMDR
   3. Evidence-based practice
   4. Meta-analysis
   5. Outcome research
4. Knowing that you have taken AP^® psychology, a friend of yours asks for your opinion on which type of psychotherapy she should consider for her anxiety. What would be your advice?
   1. Psychodynamic therapy is best for anxiety.
   2. Rational-emotive behavior therapy has had the best results in treating anxiety.
   3. She should avoid client-centered therapy as it has been shown to have very little value.
   4. Cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies have all demonstrated effectiveness for treating anxiety.
   5. It does not matter what type of psychotherapy she chooses, because anxiety can only be treated with medication.

Practice FRQs

1. Guillermo’s physician suggested that he see a therapist for possible depression. Explain how effective each of the following might be in the treatment of his depression:
   • Psychiatrist
   • Clinical psychologist
   • Counselor

Answer

1 point: As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist would be able to prescribe medication to Guillermo. The psychiatrist, however, may not be trained in psychotherapy, so may not fully be able to help Guillermo. Page 748

1 point: A clinical psychologist would have psychotherapy training and be able to provide effective methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to Guillermo. Page 748

1 point: A counselor would be the least helpful therapist for Guillermo. This type of therapist tends to help with family, marriage, or substance abuse issues, not depression. Page 748

2. Identify three commonly agreed-upon benefits shared by all psychotherapies.

(3 points)