The assumption is that negative thoughts produce negative feelings. Cognitive treatment is the preferred therapy for depression. In behavioral therapy, the therapist and client work to identify the triggers that cause the dysfunctional behaviors and focus on how to change the behavior. Behavioral treatment is effective for disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, and panic disorders. Sometimes the client doesn t need to know why they re behaving in a particular way, but what to do to change the behavior.
Psychodynamic therapy is less interactive than cognitive or behavioral therapies.
In psychodynamic therapy, a dialogue takes place, but the therapist is a blank slate , listening and reflecting back what the client says, while remaining nonjudgmental. The therapist does not offer advice or tell the client what to do. The therapist s empathic listening allows the client to explore thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors without fear of judgment. Psychodynamic therapy is most successful as a long term treatment, although good results can be obtained if treatment goals are focused. No matter what kind of therapy you opt to use, choosing a therapist is like buying a chair.