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Unit 21: Psychotherapy: Meaning and Process

Example : Mary is having a problem at work with one of her supervisors who she believes is Notes
treating her badly. She convinces herself that she has only two options : tell her boss off or
quit. She is unable to consider a host of other possibilities such as talking to her boss in a
constructive way, seeking guidance from a higher supervisor, contacting employee relations,
etc.
• Selective Abstraction : focusing only on certain aspects of a situation, usually the most negative.
Example : During a staff meeting at work, Susan presents a proposal for solving a problem.
Her solution is listened to with great interest and many of her ideas are applauded. However,
at one point her supervisor points out that her budget for the project appears to be grossly
inadequate. Susan ignores the positive feedback she has received and focuses on this one
comment. She interprets it as a lack of support from her boss and a humiliation in front of the
group.
• Magnification-Minimization : distorting the importance of particular events.
Example : Robert is a college student who wants to go to medical school. He knows that his
college grade point average will be used by schools during the admission process. He receives
a D in a class on American History. He becomes demoralized thinking now that his lifelong
dream to be a physician is no longer possible.
Cognitive therapists work with the person to challenge thinking errors like those listed above
By pointing out alternative ways of viewing a situation, the person’s view of life, and ultimately
their mood will improve. Research has shown that cognitive therapy can be as effective as
medication in the long-term treat.

Interpersonal therapy focuses on the interpersonal relationships of the depressed Person.

21.2.3 Interpersonal Therapy
The idea of interpersonal therapy is that depression can be treated by improving the communication
patterns and how people relate to others.
Techniques of interpersonal therapy include :
• Identification of Emotion : Helping the person identify what their emotion is and where it is
coming from.
Example : Roger is upset and fighting with his wife. Careful analysis in therapy reveals that he
has begun to feel neglected and unimportant since his wife started working outside the home.
Knowing that the relevant emotion is hurt and not anger, Roger can begin to address the
problem.
• Expression of Emotion : This involves helping the person express their emotions in a healthy
way.
Example : When Roger feels neglected by his wife he responds with anger and sarcasm. This
in turn leads his wife to react negatively. By expressing his hurt and his anxiety at no longer
being important in her life in a calm manner, Roger can now make it easier for his wife to react
with nurturance and reassurance.
• Dealing With Emotional Baggage : Often, people bring unresolved issues from past
relationships to their present relationships. By looking at how these past relationships affect
their present mood and behavior, they are in a better position to be objective in their present
relationships.

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