What different approaches to therapy are there?
A. While each of the main approaches each have a variety of offshoots, the primary two theoretical approaches are psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Psychodynamic therapy includes examining and resolving unconscious conflicts. The client’s early history is seen as extremely important in the forming of the character of the person and in the forming of patterns of unconscious thinking that may influence people in their present day life. The relationship between the therapist and the client is also seen as very important and is primary in the healing process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on helping clients identify and examine faulty beliefs and ineffective behaviors. It is focused on the present and the client’s family background is seen as less relevant. Unconscious patterns are not examined, nor are dreams, or the relationship between the client and therapist. I operate from a psychodynamic background primarily. I believe that that is the way to heal individuals
