The impact of psychological states on physical health and the mind-body connection has been long understood. Many health traditions such as Tibetan, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have this connection embedded as an integral part of their systems. In more recent times, a wide range of psychotherapeutic systems have been developed. In this article, we will examine the four main psychotherapeutic disciplines with respect to their benefits and historical development.
Are you interested in a holistic approach to health and nutrition that incorporates naturopathy? Read about my programs here.
The four modern psychotherapeutic models are as follows (Morison, 2019):
- Psychodynamic
- Humanistic;
- Transpersonal; and
- Cognitive-behavioural practice methodology.
The same foundations lie at the root of all of the four branches of modern psychotherapy. The roots can be traced back all the way to the Austrian Franz Mesmer (1734-1815), who was influential in the modern development of hypnotherapy, and the French Jean-Martin Charcot (18251893), influential in the development of psychiatry. The biggest name in the history of psychotherapy is possibly Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), himself influenced by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) and Friedrich Nietzsche (1855-1900) (Morison, 2019).
Psychodynamic practice, the first of the four main disciplines, is primarily an investigative practice, which aims to identify the cause of the current mental state. Various tools are commonly used in this practice which include age regression, free association of thoughts, transference and projection. Furthermore, psychodynamic practice looks to investigate and resolve any defensive strategies or self-sabotage that the client may be facing. The practice was originally started by Sigmund Freud in Austria through his psychoanalysis. This was later developed further by the Swiss Carl Jung (1875-1961), the founder of Analytical Psychology, which included a significant use of symbolism in the identification and resolution of the clients’ issues. Key branches of psychodynamic practise include: Individual Psychology, Ego State Therapy and Object-Relations Psychology (Morison, 2019).
Humanistic practice, the second of the four main disciplines, prefers to frame the client in the present moment, in contrast to the focus on the cause in the past in psychodynamic practice. This practice focuses on encouraging and facilitating personal growth of the client, supporting the development of their own self-understanding and helping them to reach their full potential. While the focus is on the present and improving their present circumstances, the past is not ignored, and will be given attention when necessary in order to help the client to move forward. Due to this, humanistic practice is quite a balanced one, with the focus on the present moment and how to improve the future, while referring back to the past when necessary. Humanistic practice encourages the practitioner to remain client-oriented, non-judgemental and to develop genuine empathy for their clients. Important branches of humanistic practice include: existential methodology, gestalt practice and inner child therapeutic practice. Humanistic practice itself was heavily influenced by the work of Carl Rogers (1902-1987) and Abraham Maslow (1908-1970). These two men developed Client-Centred Therapy, which remains an important influence in across the world of counselling to the present day. Existential therapy was developed by Viktor Frankl (1905-1997), Rollo May (1909-1994), and Robert Laing (1927-1989). Gestalt therapy was developed by Fritz Perls (1893-1970) (Morison, 2019).
Transpersonal practice, the third of the four main disciplines of psychotherapy, is often considered a subset of psychodynamic practice but has also been influenced by humanistic practice. It is a more spiritual-based practice, with much of the focus on the journey and development of the soul. As such, many related practices and tools are used in transpersonal practice, including past-life regression, the symbolism of spiritual archetypes, spiritual guidance from one’s higher self, other spiritual beings and shamanic power animals. Due to transpersonal practice’s heavy spiritual element, belief in past lives is a major part of the practice and therefore, past life regression is a heavily used tool with the practice. Furthermore, often practitioners will also utilise various forms of spiritual healing alongside the talking element of the therapy. Like the other disciplines, Carl Jung remains an important influence, and some elements of the spiritual symbolism can be traced to his work. A significant influence are the various Eastern spiritual traditions such as Zen Buddhism and due to this, meditation and inner spiritual work makes up a significant part of Transpersonal practice. Major influencers in this movement today include the American Ken Wilber, the Australians Roger Walsh and Frances Vaughan, the Italian Roberto Assaglioli and Maura Sills (Morison, 2019).
Cognitive-Behavioural Practice Methodology, the fourth of the four main disciplines of psychotherapy, is particularly focused on the current symptoms of the client. It is thought to be useful in treating anxiety and depressive state disorders. The main aim of this type of therapy is to identify and correct any damaging behaviours and patterns of behaviour present in the client. This is achieved through various tools such as Life Coaching, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Suggestive Therapy, Belief-Restructuring, Positive Thinking, and Positive Affirmations. A significant benefit of this type of therapy is that it is more accessible to the client and provides a more obviously direct means of addressing and resolving various behavioural and thought pattern issues that they may be experiencing. The development of Cognitive-Behavioural Practice was influenced by the American Aaron Beck, the founder of Cognitive Therapy, William Glasser (1925- ), Albert Ellis (1913-2007), who developed Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Burrhus Skinner (1904-1990), who established the practice of Behaviourism (Morison, 2019).
Are you interested in a holistic approach to health and nutrition that incorporates naturopathy? Read about my programs here.
In conclusion, the main four modern branches of psychotherapy all come from the same roots. They have since developed into different branches with different approaches to achieve the same noble goal: the improvement of a client’s mental state and well-being and the healing of any past trauma that may be affecting the present. While each has a different methodology and approach, this allows each individual to gravitate towards the one most suitable for their personality, belief system, level of comfort and goals. These practices can be valuable options for referral for the naturopath faced with a client whose mental challenges or traumas go beyond their expertise or comfort level.
References
Morison, Jacquelyne, 2019, Naturopathy Course Notes, Module 7: Psychosocial, pages 21-27, School of Health, Stroud, UK
