Which techniques are used in therapy? - Chapter 7

A therapeutic technique is a well-defined procedure implemented to accomplish a particular task or goal.

A component study is a study that examines the effectiveness of certain aspects of a therapeutic application. Additive designs look at the effect of adding a certain application. Dismantling designs look at the effect of removing a particular application.

When comparing bona fide therapeutic techniques with non-therapeutic or placebo control conditions, a variety of bona fide techniques have been shown to have a positive impact on clients. Furthermore, little evidence has been found for that certain techniques are more effective compared to other bona fide techniques or applications.

What cognitive-behavioral techniques are there?

Cognitive-behavioral techniques try to produce a change by influencing thoughts, behavior or both.

Exposure is primarily used for anxiety disorders, especially in (social) phobias. This technique has proven to be very effective for many individuals. This technique can be described as: "Deliberately evoking fear through direct confrontation with situations that produce fear for the patient." The basic principle behind this is that if individuals are directly confronted with fear, they can learn that they are able to deal with it. There are different forms of exposure:

• In vivo exposure

• Imagined exposure

• Virtual reality exposure

• Interoceptive exposure

• Exposure and reaction prevention

• Exposure to stimuli related to substance abuse (cue –exposure)

• Systematic desensitization

Cognitive-behavioral techniques are most strongly supported by evidence. These interventions yield especially good results for anxiety-related issues.

Which psychodynamic techniques are used?

Accurate interpretations are related to positive therapeutic outcomes. This is especially true when these interpretations are carefully articulated and embedded in a strong therapeutic alliance.

What do humanistic and experiential techniques look like?

Non-directivity is a therapeutic standpoint in which the practitioner tries to prevent his / her client from pointing in a certain direction. In many cases, directive therapies seem more effective than non-directive therapies.

Humanistic techniques are based on deepening the level of experienced and emotional processing. Evidence shows that these techniques lead to positive therapeutic outcomes. The experience is the extent to which inner feelings and processes are the focus of attention.
Furthermore, evidence has been found for both direct and non-direct applications. A side note here is that extremes should be prevented in this.

Which techniques are common?

Listening, paraphrasing and encouraging are common techniques that are considered to be helpful for the client. The opinions of clients are divided on how helpful asking questions, guidance, and advice is. Providing feedback on the client's process can lead to dramatic improvements for clients at risk of negative outcomes.

For many forms of psychological stress, interventions over the phone or over the internet appear to be as effective as face to face interventions.

Chapter questions

1. What is a therapeutic technique?

2. What is the purpose of cognitive-behavioral techniques?

3. What is non-directivity and what is its purpose?

4. What are humanistic techniques and what do they lead to? What is "experiencing"?

5. What are the general techniques that are considered helpful to the client? What other technique provides improvements for the client?