Theory and Research Based Treatments

Theory and Research Based Treatments

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Write a 5 page assessment in which you first describe and explain the theory associated with several categories of psychotherapy and then analyze each therapy’s benefits and limitations, as well as the factors that predict its success.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies:
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Competency 1: Apply relevant theories to issues in mental health.
Apply knowledge of theory to identify possible causes of a disorder.
Competency 3: Apply the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to psychological disorders.
Apply knowledge of the DSM to discuss how a client’s behaviors correspond with diagnostic criteria.
Compare and contrast the DSM and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for a selected disorder.
Competency 5: Analyze treatment of psychological disorders.
Analyze the recommended treatments for a disorder, supporting a specific recommendation with evidence from peer-reviewed research.
Describe the current and past treatment of a selected disorder.
Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics as expected of a psychology professional.
Use APA format and style.
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Treatment for disorders has evolved from major theories such as psychoanalytic (psychoanalysis), behavioral (behavior modification), cognitive (cognitive therapy), humanistic (client-centered therapy), and biological (medical model). Other therapies have evolved from combination of theories, such as cognitive-behavioral and clinical neuropsychological (biological and cognitive).
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Based on research and other factors, treatments have changed over time and have improved, but not without controversy. One of the most fervent controversies in the psychology research literature involves how to best study psychotherapy. This controversy has pitted practitioners from differing theoretical schools against each other (and researchers against practitioners). One side of this controversy is represented by a perspective that sees much of clinical practice as unscientific and hopes to demonstrate which types of therapy are clinically effective. Typically, this approach to studying psychotherapy examines particular types or techniques of therapy. Researchers use a method called randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which the technique in question is implemented with one group of clients and compared to a control condition, in which either no treatment or some alternate technique is provided.
Critics disagree with this approach. They note that this approach to research emphasizes small and relatively meaningless distinctions between techniques, focuses on brands of therapy rather than examining the common processes that occur in counseling sessions, does not allow us to study what actually leads to change in psychotherapy, and does not reflect how psychotherapy is actually applied in clinical practice. For instance, they note the following:
The effects of different types of psychotherapy are small compared to other factors in the therapeutic environment, such as the quality of the therapeutic relationship, or client factors such as motivation.
RCTs are based on a medical model that emphasizes symptom reduction, when in real-world practice, psychotherapy often attempts to address the problems underlying and creating symptoms.
RCTs focus on single problems, when in real-world practice, clients often present with multiple problems and target problems that change as psychotherapy progresses.
RCTs rely on manualized versions of techniques in which practitioners move mechanically through certain steps, whereas in clinical practice, therapists adapt techniques to fit unique individuals.
These critics are not suggesting that the RCT approach to validating particular therapies be abandoned, but that this research should take place in a context that includes other approaches to studying psychotherapy.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
Internet Resources
Access the following resources by clicking the links provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permissions for the following links have either been granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.
World Health Organization. (2015). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD-10). Retrieved from

Theory and Research Based Treatments