Class 12 Psychology - BIHAR
Therapeutic Approaches
The chapter 'Therapeutic Approaches' in Class 12 Psychology explores the methods used to help individuals suffering from psychological distress and mental disorders. It introduces students to various forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, behavioural, and cognitive therapies. You will also learn about biomedical therapy, alternative therapies like yoga and meditation, and the ethical standards required in the therapeutic relationship. This chapter is highly scoring and fundamental for board exams, as it tests your understanding of practical psychological interventions and real-world applications of psychological theories.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Psychotherapy
A voluntary relationship between two people—the client and the therapist—designed to resolve psychological problems and promote personal growth.
Transference and Counter-transference
In psychodynamic therapy, transference occurs when the client unconsciously shifts feelings towards the therapist, while counter-transference happens when the therapist projects their own feelings onto the client.
Systematic Desensitization
A behavioural therapy technique developed by Joseph Wolpe to reduce anxiety by associating a relaxation state with a graded series of anxiety-provoking stimuli.
Cognitive Restructuring
A core technique in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) where irrational and maladaptive thoughts are identified and replaced with more rational, positive beliefs.
Humanistic-Existential Therapy
An approach that emphasizes personal responsibility, free will, and the client's innate capacity to self-actualize, prominently featuring Carl Rogers' client-centered therapy.
Biomedical Therapy
Medical treatments for psychological disorders, including the use of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) Class 12 Psychology exam, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently appear as objective (MCQs), short-answer type questions (defining specific therapies like CBT or systematic desensitization), and long-answer questions requiring a detailed comparison between psychodynamic and humanistic therapies or explaining the therapeutic relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between psychotherapy and biomedical therapy?
Psychotherapy uses psychological techniques and talk therapy conducted by trained therapists to resolve emotional and behavioural issues, whereas biomedical therapy relies on medical interventions like prescription drugs and electroconvulsive therapy to treat biological imbalances in the brain.
How does Carl Rogers' client-centred therapy work?
It creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where the therapist provides unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and genuineness, allowing the client to explore their feelings and discover their own solutions.
Why is the therapeutic alliance important?
The therapeutic alliance refers to the special, trusting bond between the therapist and the client. A strong alliance is crucial because it provides the client with a safe space to open up, which significantly increases the success rate of the treatment.
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