Psychology · Class 12 · Therapeutic Approaches · 5.º Período

Psychodynamic, Behavioural, and Cognitive Therapies

A comparative study of major therapeutic techniques, including psychoanalysis, systematic desensitization, and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). Students will analyze how each approach targets different aspects of human psychology.

TL;DR:This topic compares the 'Big Three' of psychotherapy. Psychodynamic therapy (Freud) focuses on bringing unconscious conflicts to the surface through techniques like 'Free Association'. Behavioural therapy focuses on unlearning bad habits through 'Systematic Desensitization' or 'Token Economies'. Cognitive therapy (like Ellis's REBT or Beck's therapy) focuses on identifying and changing 'irrational beliefs' that cause emotional distress.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• CBSE Class 12 Psychology, Unit 5: Therapeutic Approaches - Types of Therapies (Psychodynamic, Behavioural, Cognitive)
• NCERT Class 12 Psychology, Chapter 5: Therapeutic Approaches - Types of Therapies

About This Topic

This topic compares the 'Big Three' of psychotherapy. Psychodynamic therapy (Freud) focuses on bringing unconscious conflicts to the surface through techniques like 'Free Association'. Behavioural therapy focuses on unlearning bad habits through 'Systematic Desensitization' or 'Token Economies'. Cognitive therapy (like Ellis's REBT or Beck's therapy) focuses on identifying and changing 'irrational beliefs' that cause emotional distress.

Students learn how these therapies are applied to real-world problems like phobias or depression. In the Indian classroom, these theories can be applied to common issues like 'exam anxiety' (Behavioural) or 'perfectionism' (Cognitive). This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of a 'Cognitive ABC' model or a 'Fear Hierarchy'. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of how their thoughts affect their feelings.

Key Questions

1. How does psychoanalysis attempt to resolve unconscious conflicts?
2. What are the principles behind behavioural techniques like systematic desensitization?
3. How does cognitive therapy challenge irrational belief systems?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Psychoanalysis is a quick way to solve problems.

What to Teach Instead

Traditional psychoanalysis can take years. Comparing 'Short-term Dynamic Therapy' with traditional methods helps students understand the evolution of the field.

Common Misconception

Behaviour therapy is 'brainwashing'.

What to Teach Instead

It is a collaborative process of learning new, healthier responses. Using 'Token Economy' examples from schools helps students see it as a common learning tool.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

Systematic Desensitization

Students pick a common fear (e.g., spiders). They work in pairs to create a 'Fear Hierarchy' of 10 steps, from 'seeing a cartoon spider' to 'holding one', learning how gradual exposure works.

30 min·Pairs

Role Play

The ABC Model (REBT)

Students act out a 'Cognitive Dispute'. A student gets a low grade (Activating Event), thinks 'I am a failure' (Belief), and feels depressed (Consequence). A 'Therapist' then helps them 'Dispute' the irrational belief.

40 min·Small Groups

Stations Rotation

Therapeutic Techniques

Stations for Free Association (Psychodynamic), Token Economy (Behavioural), and Thought Recording (Cognitive). Students try a 5-minute 'mini-activity' at each station to understand the method.

45 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Free Association' in psychoanalysis?

It is a technique where the client is encouraged to say whatever comes to mind, without censoring or filtering. This is intended to bypass the 'ego' and allow unconscious thoughts and feelings to emerge.

How does Systematic Desensitization work?

It is a behavioural technique used to treat phobias. The client is taught relaxation skills and then gradually exposed to their feared object or situation through a hierarchy, while remaining relaxed.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching cognitive-behavioural therapies?

The 'ABCDE' worksheet is a fantastic hands-on tool. By having students map out their own irrational thoughts about exams or social situations, they see the direct link between 'Thought' and 'Emotion'. This active application makes the Cognitive approach much more intuitive and personally relevant than just reading about it.

What is a 'Token Economy'?

It is a behavioural therapy technique where desirable behaviours are reinforced with 'tokens' (like stars or points) that can later be exchanged for rewards. It is often used in hospitals and classrooms.