Brief Psychodynamic Therapy

Alternatives to CBT Part-2

Reality Therapy
William Glasser developed this therapy in the 1960’s. Reality therapy maintains that an individual deviates from the norm when they are unsuccessful in attaining the basic human needs. According to Glasser, individuals do not suffer from mental illness rather they suffer from universal human condition. Reality therapy is based on three R’s: Realism, responsibility, and right - wrong. This type of therapy does not deal with the client’s past or their unconscious mental processes. Reality therapy focuses on the here-and-now and enables the client to solve problems and take control of their lives. Contrary to its name, this therapy does

The duration of the therapy is brief and can last anywhere between 6 – 12 sessions. In this form of collaborative therapy, goals are clearly identified and realistically conceptualised. Client’s strengths, resources, and past experience of any success in the perceived problem area are explored. Existing coping strategies are evaluated and new coping strategies are taught. Hope and positivity is re-instilled and progress towards goals is monitored and supported throughout the brief course of the therapy.
Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach to therapy enables the client to retrospect and see the influence of their past experiences on present behaviour. Thus, the focus is on increasing the clients understanding of unconscious processes and on enhancing self-awareness. The therapeutic relationship facilitates the client to explore unresolved conflicts and examine dysfunctional patterns in their relationships. The psychodynamic theory is well-developed and a large body of clinical research has supported the efficacy of this approach to therapy. Brief psychodynamic therapy usually involves 10-20 sessions.

Existential