Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

person-centered therapy
Therapy 
in which the goal is to reach one’s 
potential for self-actualization.
Study Alert
To better remember the 
concept of unconditional 
positive regard, try off ering 
it to a friend during a 
conversation by showing 
your support, acceptance, and 
understanding no matter what 
thought or attitude is being off ered.
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558 Chapter 
16 
Treatment of Psychological Disorders
EVALUATING HUMANISTIC APPROACHES TO THERAPY 
The notion that psychological disorders result from restricted growth potential 
appeals philosophically to many people. Furthermore, when humanistic thera-
pists acknowledge that the freedom we possess can lead to psychological diffi cul-
ties, clients fi nd an unusually supportive environment for therapy. In turn, this 
atmosphere can help clients discover solutions to diffi cult psychological problems 
(Cooper, 2007). 
However, humanistic treatments lack specifi city, a problem that has troubled 
their critics. Humanistic approaches are not very precise and are probably the least 
scientifi cally and theoretically developed type of treatment. Moreover, this form of 
treatment works best for the same type of highly verbal client who profi ts most from 
psychoanalytic treatment.
Interpersonal Therapy
 Interpersonal therapy (IPT) 
considers therapy in the context of social relationships. 
Although its roots stem from psychodynamic approaches, interpersonal therapy con-
centrates more on the here and now with the goal of improving a client’s current 
relationships. It typically focuses on interpersonal issues such as confl icts with others, 
social skills issues, role transitions (such as divorce), or grief (Weissman, Markowitz, 
& Klerman, 2007). 
Interpersonal therapy is more active and directive than traditional psycho-
dynamic approaches, and sessions are more structured. The approach makes no 
assumptions about the underlying causes of psychological disorders but focuses on 
the interpersonal context in which a disorder is developed and maintained. It also 
tends to be shorter than traditional psychodynamic approaches and typically lasts 
only 12–16 weeks. During those sessions, therapists make concrete suggestions on 
improving relations with others and offer recommendations and advice. 
Because interpersonal therapy is short and structured, researchers have been able 
to demonstrate its effectiveness more readily than longer-term types of therapy. Eval-
uations of the approach have shown that interpersonal therapy is especially effective 
in dealing with depression, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders (Salsman, 2006; 
Grigoriadis & Ravitz, 2007; Miller et al., 2008).
Group Therapy, Family Therapy, 
and Self-Help Groups
Although most treatment takes place between a single individual and a 
therapist, some forms of therapy involve groups of people seeking treat-
ment. In